Cazadores de microbios en Ecuador : historias y protagonistas

Microbiology emerged as a science dedicated to the study of microscopic beings during the European Renaissance. Ingenious artisans and naturalists developed the first magnifying lenses and microscopes, sparking curiosity about organisms invisible to the naked eye. Later, in the 19th century, concerns related to industry, agriculture, and health propelled the study of microorganisms in fermentation and diseases, seeking ways to isolate, harness, or combat them. But what role has this young science played in the equatorial Andes? Who have been its protagonists? Physicians and scientists such as Espejo, von Lagerheim, Salvestroni, and León, among others, appear as hunters following the trails of these elusive tiny beings throughout Ecuador, striving to understand their interaction with the population, crops, and animals. This book explores their collaboration within scientific networks and the challenges they faced in combating diseases.