A contribuição de Vital Brazil para a medicina tropical: dos envenenamentos à especificidade da soroterapia

Abstract

Vital Brazil Mineiro da Campanha (1865-1950) is known for his discovery, which to this day saved thousands of lives: the specificity of antiophidic sera. This article is part of the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of Vital Brazil, in order to present and discuss their contributions to Brazilian and international Tropical Medicine, for the study of poisonings by venomous animals and the discovery of specific anti-venom serum. It aims to address the biographies of Otto Wucherer (1820-1873) and Vital Brazil and the start of research on snakebite in Brazil, with similarities in their careers, including the study of snakebite and treatment; The specificity of the discussion of the sera Vital fought between Brazil and Albert Calmette (1863- 1933) which lasted for several years (1902-1914), being closed by Maurice Arthus (1862-1945), with a gain of cause for vital Brazil, who in January 1916 may prove his thesis in practice; A trajectory to be recollected of Vital Brazil, with the presentation of biographical notes of the scientist in brief historical background; and 120 years of antivenom, with the presentation of the principles, specific antisera, changes in production processes, state of the art in Brazil and in the world and new technological perspectives.