Meaning: This quote is attributed to Charles Nicolle, a French bacteriologist who won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1928 for his work on typhus. In this quote, Nicolle reflects on a crucial discovery that allowed him to preserve a virus by infecting guinea pigs. This breakthrough not only contributed to the understanding of infectious diseases but also paved the way for the development of vaccines and treatments.

Nicolle's work on infectious diseases was groundbreaking and had a significant impact on the field of medicine. His research focused on the transmission and prevention of infectious diseases, particularly typhus. Typhus is a group of infectious diseases caused by bacteria transmitted by lice, fleas, mites, or ticks. Nicolle's discovery of the transmission of typhus by body lice was a major breakthrough in understanding the spread of the disease.

The quote emphasizes Nicolle's realization that guinea pigs were susceptible to infection with the virus he was studying. This discovery was a turning point in his research, as it provided a means to preserve the virus and study its behavior. By using guinea pigs as a host for the virus, Nicolle was able to conduct experiments and make significant advancements in understanding the nature of the virus and its effects on the host organism.

Nicolle's ability to preserve the virus on guinea pigs from the third year on indicates the long-term impact of this discovery on his research. This breakthrough not only enhanced his understanding of the virus but also opened up new possibilities for studying infectious diseases and developing preventive measures. By preserving the virus on guinea pigs, Nicolle was able to observe its behavior over an extended period, leading to valuable insights into the virus's characteristics and potential methods for controlling its spread.

The significance of Nicolle's discovery lies in its broader implications for the field of medicine. By understanding how viruses can be preserved and studied using animal hosts, researchers gained a powerful tool for investigating infectious diseases. This knowledge has been instrumental in the development of vaccines and treatments for a wide range of infectious diseases, ultimately saving countless lives and improving public health worldwide.

In conclusion, Charles Nicolle's quote reflects a pivotal moment in his research on infectious diseases, particularly typhus. His discovery that guinea pigs were susceptible to infection with the virus he was studying revolutionized his ability to preserve and study the virus. This breakthrough not only enhanced his understanding of the virus but also had far-reaching implications for the field of medicine, laying the groundwork for the development of vaccines and treatments for infectious diseases. Nicolle's work continues to inspire and inform research in the field of infectious diseases, highlighting the enduring impact of his contributions to medical science.