Question

Who discovered the smallpox vaccine?
A. Louis Pasteur
B. Edward Jenner
C. Alexander Fleming
D. Anton Van Leeuwenhoek

Answer 1

Smallpox was a devastating disease. On average, 3 out of every 10 people who got it died. Those who survived were usually left with scars, which were sometimes severe.

Complete answer:
Option A) Louis Pasteur
He pioneered the study of molecular asymmetry; discovered that microorganisms cause fermentation and disease; originated the process of pasteurization; saved the beer, wine, and silk industries in France; and developed vaccines against anthrax and rabies.

Option B) Edward Jenner
The basis for vaccination began in 1796 when an English doctor named Edward Jenner observed that milkmaids who had gotten cowpox did not show any symptoms of smallpox after variation.

Option C) Alexander Flemming
In 1928, Fleming discovered penicillin which was the first antibiotic to be discovered. He grew cultures of bacteria on petri dishes in the hospital where he worked. A fungal spore happened to contaminate one of the bacteria cultures and grew into a fungal colony.

Option D) Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek was one of the first people to observe microorganisms, using a microscope of his own design, and made one of the most important contributions to biology.

Hence the correct answer is option B.

Note: The smallpox vaccine is no longer available to the public. In 1972, routine smallpox vaccination in the United States ended. In 1980, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared smallpox was eliminated. Because of this, the public doesn’t need protection from the disease.