1940 - Research in the diagnosis and treatment of meningitis in children.

* Alexander's work aimed to advance research of infectious diseases and the biology of the microorganisms that cause meningitis in a time before antibiotics or vaccinations. * Her research focused primarily on the mechanisms and effects of meningitis in children which at the time had a high mortality rate. * By developing standardized techniques for diagnosis and treatment, she and her associate Grace Leidy helped reduce the mortality rate from Hib from nearly 100 percent to less than 25 percent. * Later, Alexander and Leidy studied the effect of antibiotics on Hib. The combined use of the antiserum, sulfa drugs, and antibiotics significantly lowered the mortality rate from Hib.

none

Category:
Pediatrics; Microbiology

Completion Status:
yes

Patent Number:
N/A

Co-Inventor:
none