Carlos Chagas

Discovered Chagas disease and pioneered tropical medicine in Brazil.

Carlos Chagas (1879–1934), a Brazilian physician, made one of the most comprehensive discoveries in medical history: identifying the Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis) in 1909. He was the first scientist to describe a disease's pathogen, vector, and clinical manifestations single-handedly.

While working for Brazil's Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Chagas found the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite in a child's blood, linking it to transmission by triatomine bugs. His research exposed the disease's socio-economic impact on rural communities, advocating for public health reforms. His work is detailed in WHO reports on neglected tropical diseases.

Chagas also led campaigns against malaria and improved sanitation. Despite international acclaim, his findings faced initial skepticism. Today, his name graces research institutions like the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, cementing his legacy in global health.