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LANDSTEINER, KARL 1868-1943

SEROLOGIST

Achievement

Karl Landsteiner transformed serology from a mere collection of unrelated phenomena to a branch of chemical science. Although this achievement was one of his greatest legacies, Landsteiner's interests led him to study many different areas of medicine, and his discoveries have lasting impact.

Life

Born in Vienna, Austria, Landsteiner studied medicine at the University of Vienna and received the M.D. degree in 1891. He spent an extensive period studying with eminent scientists in Zurich, Munich, and Vienna. This preparation contributed to his work at the Rockefeller Institute in New York beginning in 1922, which provided a significant contribution to immunological knowledge in the United States.

Blood Types Discovered

Landsteiner's primary interests lay in the fields of immunology and serology. He found that when certain blood samples were mixed, agglutination (clumping) occurred. This area of research led to one of Landsteiner's most important discoveries, the existence of different types of blood. For a transfusion to be successful, it is necessary that the blood of the donor and that of the recipient be compatible. Neither must have present antagonistic substances or agglutinins that could dissolve or clump the cells in the blood of the other.

Bloodtyping

The recognition that human blood was of type A, B, AB, or O was monumental because it increased the safety of blood transfusions and eliminated much of the danger of operations. Previously, transfusions were considered too risky for general use because of the problems inherent in mingling different blood types. In 1930 Landsteiner received the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for his important contribution to medical science.

The Study of Infectious Disease

Landsteiner used his talents to combat the infectious diseases syphilis and poliomyelitis. In 1906 he was able to transmit syphilis to apes, and his research led to important observations regarding immunity to the disease. Landsteiner produced poliomyelitis in monkeys for the first time and disclosed many facts that led to the later discovery of the virus causing the disease.

New Blood Factors Discovered

In 1940 Landsteiner announced the finding of a new series of factors in human blood, designated M, N, and P, in addition to the initial four discovered in 1901. These factors found practical application in cases of disputed paternity.

The Rh Factor

More important, Landsteiner and his associates found the Rh factor, which is present in 85 percent or more of human subjects. Those who lack the Rh factor are Rh negative. Under ordinary circumstances, the presence or absence of the Rh factor has no bearing on life or health. It becomes important in cases of blood transfusion or pregnancy. Because the factor may cause serious disturbances in an individual carrying antibodies against it, infants in utero may be in danger if the mother and father carry different Rh types. Likewise, the Rh factor must be compatible for safe blood transfusion.