🦠 Robert Koch’s Discovery – Nursing Exam Concept 🦠

In microbiology, a frequently asked question in nursing exams is: Which etiologic agent was discovered by Robert Koch?

Question: Robert Koch discovered the etiologic agent of –

✅ Correct Answer: (c) Tuberculosis

Explanation:
Robert Koch was a renowned German microbiologist. In 1882, he discovered the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is responsible for causing tuberculosis.

This landmark discovery provided scientific proof that tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a specific bacterium, establishing the foundation of modern bacteriology.

For his remarkable contribution to medical science, Robert Koch was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1905.

Why are the other options incorrect?

(a) Typhoid → Caused by Salmonella typhi, first identified by Karl Eberth.

(b) Smallpox → A viral disease caused by the variola virus; it was not discovered by Robert Koch.

(d) Polio → Caused by the poliovirus; it was identified by other scientists.

✅ Exam Point:
Koch = TB (Koch’s bacillus = Tuberculosis)
This question is commonly asked in competitive exams such as AIIMS, ESIC, RRB, CHO, ANM, and GNM.

💚 Exam Objective Nursing – Asha D
Concept clarity • Strong recall • Nursing success