Prof. Perevodchikov’s contribution to the Early 20th Century Fight Against Syphilis and Leprosy in Eastern Siberia

This article highlights the scientific, social-medical, and organizational activities of Innokenty Nikolaevich Perevodchikov (1886–1961), Director of the All-Union Research Institute for Leprosy Studies, during his tenure in Irkutsk. He made significant contributions not only to the development of Russian leprology but also to public health in the Irkutsk Region and the Republic of Buryatia. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the Dermatology and Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic, the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Dispensary, and the Irkutsk Leprosarium. The limited information available about this prominent scientist in accessible sources formed the basis for this study. Perevodchikov’s thorough scientific approach to the problems he investigated preceding each of his expeditions is particularly noteworthy, as it largely determined the relevance and success of his work. He assessed the extent of syphilis infection among the target population, outlined measures for addressing the issue, identified leprosy-endemic areas, and described the real state of these problems in the target region. The article presents the findings of his four expeditions to study the prevalence of syphilis and leprosy across Irkutsk Province and the Buryat-Mongol Republic. It also highlights Perevodchikov’s role in establishing the Irkutsk Labor Prevention Facility and his participation in a commission on improving labor and living conditions.