A Revolutionary Hypothesis
In the 1980s, Australian physician Barry Marshall and pathologist Robin Warren challenged the prevailing belief that stress and spicy foods caused stomach ulcers. They proposed that the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) was the true culprit.
Facing Skepticism
Their idea faced intense resistance from the medical community, which was deeply invested in the idea that ulcers were a lifestyle disease. Frustrated by skepticism and a lack of experimental evidence, Marshall decided to take a dramatic step to prove their theory.
Drinking Bacteria
In 1984, Marshall drank a broth containing H. pylori to demonstrate its effects. Within days, he developed gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining, a precursor to ulcers. A biopsy confirmed the presence of the bacteria, linking it directly to the condition.
Transforming Treatment
Marshall treated himself with antibiotics, recovering fully. This experiment reshaped understanding of ulcers, leading to effective antibiotic treatments. In 2005, Marshall and Warren were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their groundbreaking work.
In the 1980s, Australian physician Barry Marshall and pathologist Robin Warren challenged the prevailing belief that stress and spicy foods caused stomach ulcers. They proposed that the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) was the true culprit.🧵1/4👇 pic.twitter.com/QsmsgroiLf
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