Robert Koch and Max von Pettenkofer held fundamentally different views on the causes of cholera. Koch, adhering to the germ theory of disease, believed that "Vibrio cholerae" was the sole cause of cholera. Pettenkofer, on the other hand, believed that cholera was caused by a combination of factors, including the presence of the bacterium in conjunction with specific environmental conditions and individual susceptibility.

In a famous and controversial experiment, Pettenkofer swallowed a culture of "Vibrio cholerae" to prove that the bacterium alone was not sufficient to cause cholera. While he did not develop cholera in its severe form, he experienced mild symptoms. This experiment was intended to support his theory of multiple contributing factors.

Koch and Pettenkofer advocated for different approaches to cholera prevention. Koch emphasized sanitation and water purification to eliminate the bacterium. Pettenkofer focused on improving general living conditions and strengthening individual resistance to disease.

The debate between Koch and Pettenkofer influenced public health strategies for cholera prevention. While Koch's emphasis on sanitation and water purification ultimately prevailed, Pettenkofer's focus on environmental factors and individual susceptibility highlighted the importance of holistic approaches to public health.