Deaths on January 17

Albert Schatz, American microbiologist and academic (b. 1920)

Albert Israel Schatz: The Unsung Pioneer Behind Streptomycin's Discovery

Albert Israel Schatz (2 February 1920 – 17 January 2005) was a distinguished American microbiologist and academic, widely recognized as the co-discoverer of streptomycin. This groundbreaking antibiotic holds a pivotal place in medical history as the first effective drug for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB), a devastating infectious disease that had long plagued humanity, often referred to as "consumption" or the "Great White Plague." Schatz's monumental contribution offered a beacon of hope against a global health crisis.

Academic Journey and Early Inspiration

Schatz's academic foundation was laid at Rutgers University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in soil microbiology in 1942. His deep-rooted connection to agriculture, stemming from his upbringing in a farming family, ignited his passion for soil science. He envisioned applying this knowledge directly to improve agricultural practices, a motivation that serendipitously led him to the very field where life-saving antibiotics are often found. His exceptional intellect was evident early on; he graduated at the top of his class.

Following his graduation, Schatz immediately began working under the renowned Selman Waksman, then head of the Department of Soil Microbiology at Rutgers. However, his promising research was soon interrupted by the tumultuous events of World War II, as he was drafted into the U.S. Army. A back injury during his service led to an honorable discharge, allowing him to return to Rutgers in 1943 to pursue his doctorate. It was during this intense Ph.D. research that the transformative discovery of streptomycin would directly unfold.

The Breakthrough: Discovery of Streptomycin

Working diligently in Waksman's laboratory, Schatz embarked on a challenging and often isolated research path, primarily due to the stringent safety protocols required for handling Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the highly contagious bacterium responsible for tuberculosis. His dedicated efforts culminated in the isolation of a novel antibiotic from a strain of soil bacteria, specifically Streptomyces griseus. He aptly named this new compound "streptomycin."

Through rigorous testing, streptomycin was proven remarkably safe and highly effective not only against Mycobacterium tuberculosis but also against a range of Gram-negative bacteria, which include common pathogens like Escherichia coli and Salmonella. This dual efficacy highlighted its broad therapeutic potential. The discovery of streptomycin revolutionized the treatment of TB, offering a cure for a disease that had historically been a death sentence for millions, transforming countless lives and fundamentally altering public health strategies worldwide. Beyond streptomycin, Schatz's scientific curiosity led him to contribute to the discovery of another antibiotic, albomycin, in 1947.

Controversy and Unjust Recognition

Despite the immense medical and humanitarian impact of streptomycin, its discovery became entangled in significant controversies surrounding commercial royalties and the ultimate recognition, particularly the Nobel Prize. Unbeknownst to Schatz, Selman Waksman had unilaterally claimed the primary financial benefits from streptomycin's commercial production, directing royalties solely to himself and the Rutgers Research and Endowment Foundation, a decision that would lead to a protracted legal battle.

In 1950, Schatz, along with other members of Waksman's lab, initiated a lawsuit to assert their rights. The legal proceedings ultimately affirmed Schatz's indispensable role, granting him a legal recognition as the co-discoverer of streptomycin and awarding him 3% of the substantial royalties. This landmark legal decision underscored his critical contribution to the breakthrough.

However, the most profound injustice occurred with the 1952 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The award was given exclusively to Selman Waksman, explicitly "for his discovery of streptomycin," despite Schatz's legally recognized co-discovery status. This decision sparked widespread criticism within the scientific community. Notably, the prestigious medical journal The Lancet publicly remarked on the egregious oversight, labeling it "a considerable mistake by failing to recognise Schatz's contribution." Decades later, as a gesture of belated recognition and goodwill, Rutgers University honored Albert Schatz with the Rutgers University Medal in 1994, a testament to his enduring legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Albert Schatz and Streptomycin

What was Albert Schatz's primary contribution to medicine?

Albert Schatz is best known as the co-discoverer of streptomycin, the first antibiotic proven effective in treating tuberculosis, a disease that had previously claimed millions of lives globally.

Which specific bacterium did Schatz work with to discover streptomycin?

Schatz worked with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis. He isolated streptomycin from the soil bacterium Streptomyces griseus, which proved effective against TB and other Gram-negative bacteria.

What was the controversy surrounding the discovery of streptomycin?

The controversy centered on the financial royalties from streptomycin's commercial production and the recognition for the Nobel Prize. Selman Waksman initially claimed sole credit and financial benefits, leading to a lawsuit that eventually recognized Schatz as a co-discoverer and awarded him royalties. The subsequent 1952 Nobel Prize for streptomycin was controversially awarded solely to Waksman.

How significant was streptomycin's discovery for public health?

The discovery of streptomycin was profoundly significant. It transformed tuberculosis from a largely untreatable, often fatal disease into one that could be cured, drastically reducing mortality rates and revolutionizing public health efforts worldwide.

When did Rutgers University acknowledge Albert Schatz's contributions?

Rutgers University honored Albert Schatz with the Rutgers University Medal in 1994, decades after the initial discovery and subsequent controversies, in a significant act of goodwill and belated recognition for his pivotal work.