Abstract:Since the early 1970s, a lot of emerging infectious diseases (EID) have appeared in the world, including more than 45 very serious EIDs. At least three teams won the Nobel prizes in physiology or medicine due to the discovery of relevant pathogens. Whether in the period of “Cultural Revolution”, or in the rapid development period of China, there were always a number of scientists fighting in the first line of infectious diseases prevention and control. These pioneers always try to track the latest developments of EIDs in the world, and engaged in EIDs surveillance and pathogens confirmation. Just in time to congratulate the 40th Anniversary of Microbiology China, a preliminary review and brief comments were done on these pioneering work in this period. Their crucial contributions to Chinese medicine will go down in history, and will also inspire generations of microbiology and medical workers in China.