Isaev-Pfeiffer Phenomenon

Isaev-Pfeiffer phenomenon: how the discovery of two scientists helped to understand immunology

The Isaev-Pfeiffer phenomenon is a discovery that occurred thanks to the collaboration of two outstanding scientists - Russian microbiologist V.I. Isaev and German bacteriologist R.F.J. Pfeiffer. This phenomenon describes the ability of some bacteria to induce the formation of antibodies in the blood that are capable of destroying these bacteria.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Isaev and Pfeiffer worked in the field of microbiology and bacteriology, and each of them already had significant scientific achievements. In 1890, Isaev discovered that a culture of Haemophilus influenzae could induce the formation of antibodies in the blood of animals. However, he could not explain how this happens.

In 1894, Pfeiffer was studying the bacteria that cause plague and noticed that the sulfur of animals that recovered from the disease contained antibodies that could destroy the bacteria. He suggested that antibodies are formed in response to the effects of bacteria on the body.

The collaboration between Isaev and Pfeiffer began in 1896, when they exchanged the results of their research. Isaev spoke about his discovery, and Pfeiffer suggested that antibodies are formed in response to the body’s exposure to bacterial waste products, that is, to their toxins.

They then conducted a series of experiments, which showed that some bacteria can secrete toxins that cause the formation of antibodies in the body's blood. This phenomenon was called the “Isaev-Pfeiffer phenomenon”.

The discovery of the Isaev-Pfeiffer phenomenon was of great importance for the understanding of immunology and the development of vaccines. It allowed scientists to develop new methods for studying antibodies and toxins, as well as ways to develop vaccines against various infections.

Today, the Isaev-Pfeiffer phenomenon is the basis for many immunological research methods, and its discovery continues to be significant for science and medicine.



The Isaev-Feiffer phenomenon (IFP) is a phenomenon that was discovered in the 19th century and is associated with the study of bacteria. It is named after two scientists - Vasily Isaev and Rudolf Feiffer, who independently discovered this phenomenon.

Isaev was a Russian microbiologist who worked at St. Petersburg University. He studied bacteria and discovered that some of them could only reproduce in the presence of certain substances called “growth factors.” These substances are necessary for the growth and reproduction of bacteria.

Feiffer was a German bacteriologist working in Berlin. He also studied bacteria and discovered that some of them could grow only in the presence of growth factors.

Thus, Isaev and Feiffer discovered that bacteria can grow only in the presence of special substances. This discovery became the basis for the development of a new field of science - microbiology.

IFF was named after these two scientists, since they both independently discovered this phenomenon and described it in their works. This phenomenon continues to be studied today, and its importance for science and medicine still remains relevant.