Which of the following is true about Joseph Lister's contributions to surgery?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is true about Joseph Lister's contributions to surgery?

Applying germ theory to surgery and introducing antisepsis transformed outcomes. Lister showed that infections after surgery were caused by microorganisms and could be prevented by using antiseptics to kill or inhibit them. He popularized the use of carbolic acid to clean instruments, wounds, and the operating environment, significantly lowering postoperative infections. His 1867 publication, Antiseptic Principle in the Practice of Surgery, laid out this approach and its evidence, making antisepsis the standard of care. The other statements reflect work by others or different milestones: the concept of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria is not his; a sterilization technique for surgical suites in 1869 is not the landmark contribution; and the anthrax vaccine was developed by Pasteur in 1881.

Applying germ theory to surgery and introducing antisepsis transformed outcomes. Lister showed that infections after surgery were caused by microorganisms and could be prevented by using antiseptics to kill or inhibit them. He popularized the use of carbolic acid to clean instruments, wounds, and the operating environment, significantly lowering postoperative infections. His 1867 publication, Antiseptic Principle in the Practice of Surgery, laid out this approach and its evidence, making antisepsis the standard of care. The other statements reflect work by others or different milestones: the concept of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria is not his; a sterilization technique for surgical suites in 1869 is not the landmark contribution; and the anthrax vaccine was developed by Pasteur in 1881.

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