Who discovered penicillin and recognized its use as an antibiotic?

The discovery of penicillin and its recognition as an antibiotic is attributed to Alexander Fleming. In 1928, he observed that a mold called Penicillium notatum had contaminated one of his petri dishes and was inhibiting the growth of staphylococcus bacteria. This led to the isolation of penicillin, which demonstrated significant antibacterial properties. Fleming's work laid the foundation for the development of penicillin as the first true antibiotic, revolutionizing the treatment of bacterial infections and saving countless lives.

The contributions of other figures, while significant in the history of medicine, relate to different areas of healthcare. For example, Joseph Lister is known for his pioneering work on antiseptic techniques in surgery, Edward Jenner is credited with developing the smallpox vaccine, and Louis Pasteur made substantial advancements in microbiology and vaccination, particularly through his work on pasteurization and rabies. However, the specific discovery and application of penicillin as an antibiotic is uniquely associated with Alexander Fleming.