Louis Yolando Mazzini
Louis Yolando Mazzini | |
|---|---|
 Illustration of Louis Yolando Mazzini created by Julia Sorrenti | |
| Born | June 3, 1894 |
| Died | June 23, 1973 (aged 79) |
| Burial place | Crown Hill Cemetery and Arboretum, Community Mausoleum, Lot B-D-26 39°49′40″N 86°10′18″W / 39.827743°N 86.1716194°W |
| Occupation | Serologist |
| Known for | For developing the Mazzini test for syphilis (lipoidal flocculation test) |
Louis Yolando Mazzini (3 June 1894 – 23 June 1973) was a Peruvian-American scientist, who worked as a professor of serology and pathology at the Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) from 1924 to 1965. Originally from Lima, he developed the "Mazzini Test" for syphilis in 1939, which had better specificity than other syphilis tests at the time, and the Mazzini Optical Ground Glass Slide in 1977.[1]
Early life and education
Louis Yolando Mazzini was born on June 3, 1894, in Lima, Peru and came to the United States to study agriculture at the University of Wisconsin.[2] Due to political unrest in Peru, Mazzini moved to the United States permanently in 1916. He pursued higher education at the University of Wisconsin, Butler University, and Indiana University.[3]
Career
In 1924, Mazzini joined the Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) as a professor of serology and pathology.[1] His work extended beyond academia when, from 1933 to 1947, he served as a laboratory scientist and serologist with the Indiana State Board of Health. After his tenure there, he established his own laboratory in 1947 while continuing to lecture at IUSM on serological methods.[3]
In 1939, Mazzini gained significant recognition for developing the Mazzini test for syphilis, also known as the lipoidal flocculation test. This test was an improvement over the commonly used Wassermann test as it was faster, more affordable, and more sensitive to all stages of syphilis.[3][4] Mazzini donated the patent rights for this test to the Indiana University Foundation, and it was notably used by the Armed Forces during World War II. In 1950, he further refined his syphilis test using the cardiolipin antigen, to create the Mazzini cardiolipin test, which increased the test's sensitivity, required little blood to be used and allowed for a fast determination.[5][3] It was later adopted by the United States Public Health Service.[3]
Apart from his contributions to medical science, Mazzini owned the College Inn on Michigan Street, a popular hangout for medical and dental students.[1] Today, a plaque at its former location honors his legacy. Additionally, the Indiana University School of Medicine has named a faculty position in pathology after him in recognition of his contributions to the field.[3]
Death
Louis Yolando Mazzini died on June 23, 1973, at the age of seventy-nine. His remains are interred at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Section 212, Lot 316, 39°49′40″N 86°10′18″W / 39.827743°N 86.1716194°W.
References
- ^ a b c "I.U. Memorial To Honor L.Y. Mazzini". The Indianapolis Star. 1977-09-13. p. 23.
- ^ "Mazzini Obit". The Indianapolis News. 1973-06-27. p. 53.
- ^ a b c d e f Devadasan, Neil (2021-03-09). "Louis Yolando Mazzini". Encyclopedia of Indianapolis. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ^ Ratcliffe, A. W. (1940-08-01). "The Mazzini test: A greater aid in the serodiagnosis of syphilis". ((The Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine)). 25 (11): 1224–1230. ISSN 0022-2143.
- ^ Mazzini, L. Y. (1951-02-01). "Mazzini Cardiolipin Microflocculation Test for Syphilis". The Journal of Immunology. 66 (2): 261–275. doi:10.4049/jimmunol.66.2.261. ISSN 0022-1767.