Science
Who observed in 1928 the antibacterial effect of a mold causing penicillin?
Correct answer Alexander Fleming
Fact
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In 1928, Alexander Fleming noticed that a mold contaminating a culture of staphylococci prevented bacteria from growing around it. He identified the fungus as belonging to the genus “Penicillium” and named the antibacterial substance penicillin. Fleming published his results, but failed to produce a stable drug in sufficient quantity. Beginning in 1939, Howard Florey, Ernst Chain and their team at Oxford isolated, tested and developed penicillin as a treatment. Industrial production during World War II subsequently transformed medicine. Fleming therefore made the founding observation, while the therapeutic development was a collective effort.
Content last updated · August 14, 2026
