It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Hebe Bianchini of Argentina, on June 11.
Dr. Hebe Mabel Bianchini had her Biochemistry degree in 1958, and was recognized in Argentina and Latinoamerica for her outstanding professional and scientific performance, her wide experience and her contribution to the development of Clinical Microbiology. She was a Biochemist, Pharmacist, Doctor, and Microbiology Professor at the University of Buenos Aires. Her career was focused on strengthening the knowledge of infections caused by anaerobic bacteria. A passionate work that she developed for almost 40 years mostly at the Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas “Norberto Quirno” (CEMIC) microbiological laboratory. She was a pioneer in the difficult study of infections caused by anaerobic bacteria in her country. She was a member of the Argentine Association of Microbiology (AAM) for over 45 years up until her passing and held the presidency from 1991 to 1995.
Her great teaching vocation and intensive fight for the recognition of the biochemist's role in health care, drove her to become one of the promoters of the Clinical Biochemistry Residency in 1981 at CEMIC. Dr. Bianchini participated actively in the implementation of the Clinical Microbiology Specialist certifications in many institutions. She led a very committed academic life. She organized and headed round tables, workshops and lectures, and was involved in the publication of many books and scientific updates. Among these last ones it stands the development and coordination of the “Microbiology Course (Distance Learning)” which allowed further professional training of many microbiologists from different parts of Argentina and neighboring countries.
She created the Anaerobic Bacteria Subcommittee of the Argentine Society of Bacteriology, Mycology and Clinical Parasitology (SADEBAC-AAM) in 1989, with the aim of transferring her knowledge on the microbiologic diagnosis of anaerobes. Due to this work, she was recognized nationally and internationally by many prestigious Scientific Societies as a referent from Argentina. Thanks to her management in 1998, she hosted the 4th Biennial Anaerobe Congress in Buenos Aires, which she presided over as a part of the National Committee.
Dr. Bianchini studied anaerobic bacteria with a special interest in their role in odontogenic infections such as periodontal disease, in vaginal infections, and contributed to the development of new methods to determine their antimicrobial susceptibility profile, to detect emerging resistances and to define how and when the susceptibility tests should be used. She was responsible for the susceptibility surveillance surveys in Argentina. Finally, she gets her PhD in Microbiology at the University of Buenos Aires with her work “Changes in susceptibility to antimicrobials in anaerobic gram negative bacilli frequently isolated from human infections in our environment”.
She had recently received the acknowledgment for her career by the young ambassadors of the American Association of Microbiology at the Extraordinary Latin America Microbiologists Tribute.
Her determination and scientific rigor were worthy of admiration and imitation. She was an extraordinary woman, with the generosity, empathy, and teamwork of a great leader. Never asking for more than she could give. All of the students and professionals who worked with her can vouch for her concern for the development of her followers.
Today, many generations of professionals join this tribute to thank her for all the years offered to teach and help us love bacteriology. We thank you Hebe, and you shall always live in our hearts.
Anaerobic Bacteria Subcommittee of the Argentine Society of Bacteriology, Mycology and Clinical Parasitology (SADEBAC-AAM).
La Comisión Directiva de la Asociación Argentina de Microbiología lamenta con profundo dolor el fallecimiento de la Dra. Hebe Bianchini, quien fue presidente de la AAM entre 1991 y 1995. La Dra. Bianchini ha sido un ejemplo para todos por sus aportes en el campo de la microbiología y su desinteresada dedicación a nuestra Asociación.
Comisión Directiva
Asociación Argentina de Microbiología
