While many scientists played pivotal roles in the antibiotic revolution and deserve celebration, some contributors remain overshadowed by others, which is the case for the story of streptomycin. Elizabeth Bugie Gregory, a microbiologist whose work was integral to discovering this life-saving antibiotic, is one such unsung hero. This article delves into her significant contributions and the historical context that led to the development of streptomycin.
The first few antibiotic discoveries
In 1909, the first modern antimicrobial, Salvarsan, was found while screening for compounds that could treat syphilis. Then in the 1930s, sulfa drugs were developed and used for staphylococcal and streptococcal infections. The first commercially available natural antibiotic, penicillin, was mass-produced in the 1940s, and it could treat staphylococcal, streptococcal, diphtheria, and meningococcal infections. However, none could treat tuberculosis or other Gram-negative infections such as bubonic plague, cholera, dysentery, and typhoid.
Streptomycin discovery
Streptomycin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is highly effective against Gram-negative bacteria and not toxic to animals, was discovered in 1943. It was the first antibiotic that could treat tuberculosis.
Three names appear on the publication that documents the monumental discovery of streptomycin: Albert Schatz, Elizabeth Bugie, and Selman A. Waksman. That Bugie received authorship indicates she contributed significantly to the discovery. Still, she did not receive full credit for her part.
Elizabeth Bugie Gregory received her bachelor’s degree in microbiology from New Jersey College for Women. At the time of the streptomycin discovery, Bugie was a master’s student researcher at Rutgers in Selman Waksman’s lab. Although she worked with graduate student Albert Schatz on this crucial project, he took full credit for the streptomycin discovery: Schatz was listed on the patent — Bugie was not.
According to her obituary in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Bugie had told one of her daughters, “They approached me privately and said, someday you’ll get married and have a family, and it’s not important that your name be on the patent.”
Waksman ultimately took most of the credit, though, so Schatz filed a lawsuit to ensure he was associated with the discovery and received profits from it. After it was resolved, the royalties were split three ways, and Bugie was included: 10% Waksman, 3% Schatz, and 0.2% Bugie.
Still, the name associated with streptomycin is Waksman: he was the one awarded the Nobel Prize in 1952 for the work that led to its discovery.
Elizabeth Bugie Gregory’s scientific contributions
Besides streptomycin, Elizabeth Bugie was also involved in developing other antimicrobials, including flavicin, chaetomin, and micromonosporin. After completing her master’s degree and initially continuing research at Rutgers, she took a position at Merck and researched antimicrobials to fight tuberculosis.
Bugie made considerable scientific contributions during her time as a microbiologist. And streptomycin remains an important antibiotic for treating infectious diseases today — it is included in the WHO Model Lists of Essential Medicines.
Keeping Elizabeth Bugie Gregory’s name connected to streptomycin
The legacy of streptomycin, an antibiotic that revolutionized the treatment of tuberculosis and other Gram-negative bacterial infections, still endures. Yet the story behind its discovery often omits the contributions of Elizabeth Bugie Gregory. Though overshadowed by more prominent names, her research played a pivotal role in developing this life-saving medication. By acknowledging her contributions, we honor her memory and underscore the importance of recognizing often overlooked individuals who shape the course of medical science.
Further Reading
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Angelina Fanny Hesse: The Story of Agar and Microbiology
