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Chang RK, Okihiro MS. A practical guide to necropsy of the elasmobranch chondrocranium and causes of mortality in wild and aquarium-housed California elasmobranchs. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1410332. [PMID: 38938914 PMCID: PMC11208305 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1410332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Elasmobranchs are common, iconic species in public aquaria; their wild counterparts are key members of marine ecosystems. Post-mortem examination is a critical tool for disease monitoring of wild elasmobranchs and for management of those under human care. Careful necropsy of the head, with a focus on clinically relevant anatomy, can ensure that proper samples are collected, increasing the chance of presumptive diagnoses prior to slower diagnostic workup. Immediate feedback from a thorough head necropsy allows for faster management decisions, often identifying pathogens, routes of pathogen entry, and pathogenesis, which are current shortcomings in published literature. This article proposes a protocol for necropsy of the elasmobranch chondrocranium, emphasizing unique anatomy and careful dissection, evaluation, and sampling of the endolymphatic pores and ducts, inner ears, brain, and olfactory system as part of a complete, whole-body necropsy. Extensive use of cytology and microbiology, along with thorough sample collection for histology and molecular biology, has proven effective in identifying a wide range of pathogens and assisting with characterization of pathogenesis. The cause of mortality is often identified from a head necropsy alone, but does not replace a thorough whole-body dissection. This protocol for necropsy and ancillary diagnostic sample collection and evaluation was developed and implemented in the necropsy of 189 wild and aquarium-housed elasmobranchs across 18 species over 13 years (2011-2023) in California. Using this chondrocranial approach, meningoencephalitis was determined to be the primary cause of mortality in 70% (118/168) of stranded wild and aquarium-housed elasmobranchs. Etiology was largely bacterial or protozoal. Carnobacterium maltaromaticum bacterial meningoencephalitis occurred in salmon sharks (Lamna ditropis), shortfin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus), common thresher sharks (Alopias vulpinus), and one Pacific electric ray (Tetronarce californica). Miamiensis avidus was the most common cause of protozoal meningoencephalitis and found almost exclusively in leopard sharks (Triakis semifasciata) and bat rays (Myliobatis californica) that stranded in San Francisco Bay. Bacterial pathogens were found to use an endolymphatic route of entry, while protozoa entered via the nares and olfactory lamellae. Trauma was the second most common cause of mortality and responsible for 14% (24/168) of wild shark strandings and deaths of aquarium-housed animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ri K. Chang
- Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA, United States
| | - Mark S. Okihiro
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Vista, CA, United States
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2
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Immunohistochemistry in the Postmortem Diagnosis of Sepsis: A Systematic Review. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2021; 28:571-578. [PMID: 31290786 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0000000000000790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
It is not uncommon for the forensic pathologist to question whether a deceased person had experienced sepsis that could have either been the cause of or contributed to the person's death. Often, the missing typical pathologic factors or lack of clinical and circumstantial information on the death render the autopsy of a sepsis-related death a difficult task for the forensic pathologist. Several authors emphasize on how an immunohistochemical analysis could help in diagnosing death related to sepsis. The research we carried out analyzes the main scientific studies in the literature, primarily the tracing of 21 immunohistochemical antigens evaluated to help diagnose death related to sepsis. The purpose of this review was to analyze and summarize the markers studied until now and to consider the limitations of immunohistochemistry that currently exist with regard to this particular field of forensic pathology. Immunohistochemistry provided interesting and promising results, but further studies are needed in order for them to be confirmed, so that they may be applied in standard forensic practice.
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3
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Lutz H, Vangelatos A, Gottel N, Osculati A, Visona S, Finley SJ, Gilbert JA, Javan GT. Effects of Extended Postmortem Interval on Microbial Communities in Organs of the Human Cadaver. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:569630. [PMID: 33363519 PMCID: PMC7752770 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.569630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human thanatomicrobiota studies have shown that microorganisms inhabit and proliferate externally and internally throughout the body and are the primary mediators of putrefaction after death. Yet little is known about the source and diversity of the thanatomicrobiome or the underlying factors leading to delayed decomposition exhibited by reproductive organs. The use of the V4 hypervariable region of bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences for taxonomic classification ("barcoding") and phylogenetic analyses of human postmortem microbiota has recently emerged as a possible tool in forensic microbiology. The goal of this study was to apply a 16S rRNA barcoding approach to investigate variation among different organs, as well as the extent to which microbial associations among different body organs in human cadavers can be used to predict forensically important determinations, such as cause and time of death. We assessed microbiota of organ tissues including brain, heart, liver, spleen, prostate, and uterus collected at autopsy from criminal casework of 40 Italian cadavers with times of death ranging from 24 to 432 h. Both the uterus and prostate had a significantly higher alpha diversity compared to other anatomical sites, and exhibited a significantly different microbial community composition from non-reproductive organs, which we found to be dominated by the bacterial orders MLE1-12, Saprospirales, and Burkholderiales. In contrast, reproductive organs were dominated by Clostridiales, Lactobacillales, and showed a marked decrease in relative abundance of MLE1-12. These results provide insight into the observation that the uterus and prostate are the last internal organs to decay during human decomposition. We conclude that distinct community profiles of reproductive versus non-reproductive organs may help guide the application of forensic microbiology tools to investigations of human cadavers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Lutz
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | | | - Neil Gottel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Antonio Osculati
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Visona
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sheree J Finley
- Physical Sciences Department, Forensic Science Programs, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
| | - Jack A Gilbert
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Gulnaz T Javan
- Physical Sciences Department, Forensic Science Programs, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, United States
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4
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Gentile G, Amadasi A, Bailo P, Boracchi M, Maciocco F, Marchesi M, Zoja R. The importance of the postmortem interval for the diagnosis of Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome by Neisseria meningitidis in a series of forensic cases. AUTOPSY AND CASE REPORTS 2019; 9:e2019103. [PMID: 31372361 PMCID: PMC6629265 DOI: 10.4322/acr.2019.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The effective value of microbiological post-mortem examinations stands as fundamental in forensic cases involving microbiology. We ran these analyses on five victims, who suddenly died after showing persistent fever. The examinations were conducted between 48 hours and 10 days after death, and adrenal gland apoplexy was detected in all the cases. Microbiological examinations identified Neisseria meningitidis, which was accountable for Waterhouse–Friderichsen syndrome. Diplococci were isolated from three cadavers that underwent forensic dissection between 2 and 3 days after death. The remaining two cadavers showed polymicrobial contamination, and a polymerase chain reaction technique was necessary to identify the pathogen. We assumed that the microbial overlap could lead to diagnostic mistakes and conceal the identification of the lethal pathogen. Therefore, we suggest using molecular techniques for a postmortem interval (PMI) longer than 72 hours. Classical microbiological examination should be performed for PMI within 72 hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guendalina Gentile
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute. Milano, Italy
| | - Alberto Amadasi
- Università degli Studi di Bologna, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Sezione di Medicina Legale, Dipartimento di Scienze mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC). Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Bailo
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute. Milano, Italy
| | - Michele Boracchi
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute. Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Maciocco
- Ospedale S. Carlo Borromeo, Servizio di Immunoematologia e Medicina Trasfusionale (SIMT). Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Marchesi
- Ospedale di Bergamo, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Papa Giovanni XXIII, Responsabile USS Medicina Legale. Bergamo, Italy
| | - Riccardo Zoja
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Sezione di Medicina Legale e delle Assicurazioni, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche per la Salute. Milano, Italy
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5
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Mularski A, Żaba C. Fatal meningococcal meningitis in a 2-year-old child: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2019; 7:636-641. [PMID: 30863763 PMCID: PMC6406201 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v7.i5.636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In fatal cases of meningococcal septicemia, bacteriological diagnosis may not be straightforward due to postmortem replication and relocation of endogenic microflora. In medicolegal practice, aside from routine autopsy and histopathology, also other diagnostic methods, such as microbiological tests, immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), are used to examine body fluids and tissues.
CASE SUMMARY We present the case of sudden death in a 2-year-old child. The patient died approximately 30 min after hospital admission before any routine diagnostic procedures were undertaken. Presence of whole-body rash and fulminant course of the disease raised suspicion of meningococcal septicemia. An autopsy was performed seven days after death when the body showed the signs of late postmortem decomposition. No etiological factor of septicemia could be identified based on macro- and microscopic findings. However, PCR demonstrated the presence of genetic material of group W Neisseria meningitidis in patient’s cerebrospinal fluid and blood.
CONCLUSION Microbiological PCR should be conducted postmortem whenever a specific etiological factor could not be identified with conventional methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Mularski
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan 60-781, Poland
| | - Czesław Żaba
- Institute of Forensic Research, Cracow 31-033, Poland
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Neisseria meningitidis Isolated in Vitreous Humor in a 5-Month-Old Infant Death From Meningococcal Sepsis. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2018; 40:175-177. [PMID: 30475234 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosing sepsis at postmortem is challenging. With respect to meningococcal sepsis, the postmortem microbiological identification of Neisseria meningitidis is nearly always due to true infection, including in cases of decomposition. Previous case series and case reports were able to isolate N. meningitidis in vitreous humor in adult deaths from meningococcal sepsis when blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid was unavailable. It was suggested that vitreous humor polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may be useful in the diagnosis of meningococcal sepsis. We describe a fatal case of meningococcal sepsis in a 5-month-old infant where N. meningitidis was detected in vitreous humor, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood through PCR. The presented case report gives further evidence in the potential use of vitreous PCR analysis in suspected meningococcal sepsis, particularly in the pediatric population.
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7
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Neisseria meningitidis Isolated in Postmortem Vitreous Humor in a Death Due to Meningococcal Sepsis. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2017; 37:233-235. [PMID: 27584014 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Sepsis remains a difficult diagnosis at autopsy. With respect to meningococcal sepsis, a timely and definite diagnosis is critical because it requires public health department notification and the administration of prophylactic antibiotics to potential close contacts. A previous case series, in which both blood and cerebrospinal fluid were unavailable, suggested vitreous humor polymerase chain reaction might be a useful test in diagnosing meningococcal sepsis. We describe a fatal case of meningococcal sepsis where Neisseria meningitidis was detected in both vitreous humor and blood polymerase chain reaction, in addition to positive blood cultures. This gives further support to using microbiology of vitreous humor in suspected meningococcal sepsis, especially when microbiology samples are limited.
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8
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Sunagawa K, Sugitani M. Post-mortem detection of bacteremia using pairs of blood culture samples. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2016; 24:92-97. [PMID: 28081798 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2016] [Revised: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM The objective of this study was to assess the utility of examining pairs of blood culture samples obtained from separate sites (both ventricles or the aorta and vena cava) for detecting bacteremia in the post-mortem setting. METHODS Autopsy cases in which bacterial species were isolated from blood cultures were identified over a 4-year period. Ante-mortem and post-mortem records and the findings of pathological examinations were reviewed. RESULTS Overall, 23 bacterial species were detected in 18 autopsy cases. E. coli was the most commonly detected species (5 cases, 27.8%), followed by S. aureus and K. pneumoniae, respectively. Seven of the detected bacterial species (3 cases, 16.7%) were obligate anaerobes (Clostridium spp. and Bacteroides spp.). Among the 3 cases involving obligate anaerobes, multiple bacterial species were detected in 2 cases. Clinically, 2 of the 18 patients in which bacteria were detected were treated for significant infections (urosepsis, pneumonia, and catheter-related bloodstream infection) before their deaths. Seven cases exhibited evidence of significant infection during the post-mortem pathological examination. The differences between the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria positivity rates of the single and paired blood culture samples were significant (aerobic: p=0.013 and anaerobic: p=0.018). CONCLUSION Analyzing pairs of blood culture samples obtained from separate sites is useful for detecting bacteremia during post-mortem examinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keishin Sunagawa
- Department of Pathology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Masahiko Sugitani
- Department of Pathology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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9
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Karat AS, Omar T, von Gottberg A, Tlali M, Chihota VN, Churchyard GJ, Fielding KL, Johnson S, Martinson NA, McCarthy K, Wolter N, Wong EB, Charalambous S, Grant AD. Autopsy Prevalence of Tuberculosis and Other Potentially Treatable Infections among Adults with Advanced HIV Enrolled in Out-Patient Care in South Africa. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166158. [PMID: 27829072 PMCID: PMC5102350 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Early mortality among HIV-positive adults starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains high in resource-limited settings, with tuberculosis (TB) the leading cause of death. However, current methods to estimate TB-related deaths are inadequate and most autopsy studies do not adequately represent those attending primary health clinics (PHCs). This study aimed to determine the autopsy prevalence of TB and other infections in adults enrolled at South African PHCs in the context of a pragmatic trial of empiric TB treatment (“TB Fast Track”). Methods and Findings Adults with CD4 ≤150 cells/μL, not on ART or TB treatment, were enrolled to TB Fast Track and followed up for at least six months. Minimally invasive autopsy (MIA) was conducted as soon as possible after death. Lungs, liver, and spleen were biopsied; blood, CSF, and urine aspirated; and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained. Samples underwent mycobacterial, bacterial, and fungal culture; molecular testing (including Xpert® MTB/RIF); and histological examination. 34 MIAs were conducted: 18 (53%) decedents were female; median age was 39 (interquartile range 33–44) years; 25 (74%) deaths occurred in hospitals; median time from death to MIA was five (IQR 3–6) days. 16/34 (47%) had evidence of TB (14/16 [88%] with extrapulmonary disease; 6/16 [38%] not started on treatment antemortem); 23 (68%) had clinically important bacterial infections; four (12%) cryptococcal disease; three (9%) non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease; and two (6%) Pneumocystis pneumonia. Twenty decedents (59%) had evidence of two or more concurrent infections; 9/16 (56%) individuals with TB had evidence of bacterial disease and two (13%) cryptococcal disease. Conclusions TB, followed by bacterial infections, were the leading findings at autopsy among adults with advanced HIV enrolled from primary care clinics. To reduce mortality, strategies are needed to identify and direct those at highest risk into a structured pathway that includes expedited investigation and/or treatment of TB and other infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron S. Karat
- TB Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Tanvier Omar
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Service and University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Anne von Gottberg
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mpho Tlali
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Violet N. Chihota
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Gavin J. Churchyard
- TB Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Katherine L. Fielding
- TB Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Suzanne Johnson
- Foundation for Professional Development, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Neil A. Martinson
- Perinatal HIV Research Unit, and Medical Research Council Soweto Matlosana Collaborating Centre for HIV/AIDS and TB, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Johns Hopkins University Center for TB Research, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Science and Technology / National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kerrigan McCarthy
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Division of Public Health, Surveillance and Response, National Institute for Communicable Disease of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Nicole Wolter
- Centre for Respiratory Diseases and Meningitis, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Emily B. Wong
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Salome Charalambous
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alison D. Grant
- TB Centre, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Africa Health Research Institute, Durban, South Africa
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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10
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Forensic Autopsy of Human Decomposed Bodies as a Valuable Tool for Prevention: A French Regional Study. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2016; 37:270-274. [PMID: 27571173 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Post mortem changes due to putrefaction sometimes make people wrongly consider the autopsy of a decomposed body as unrewarding. A 5-year retrospective study was conducted and included all types of decomposed body subject to medicolegal autopsy, excluding bone remains and charred bodies. Sociodemographic, medical, and forensic data were collected. In the 350 cases included, most were socially isolated mature males discovered at home. The cause of death was determined in 80% of cases, and the manner of death in 86.6%. Identification was considered effective in 99.7% of cases by the chief prosecutor. The authors show that such an autopsy usually answers most questions raised by the investigation but can also be a valuable tool in the prevention, making it possible to define a profile of persons at risk of dying alone. In addition, they underline that forensic scientists should be cautious in their identification of conclusion as diverging views regarding the concept of "presumed identity" may lead to ethical tensions between judiciary and prosecutors as well as the medical community.
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Osculati A, Visonà SD, Colombo A, Basso P, Andrello L, Toniolo A. Neisseria meningitides Can Survive in Corpses for At Least Eleven Days. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2016; 6:74. [PMID: 27468408 PMCID: PMC4942473 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2016.00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Osculati
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia D Visonà
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia Pavia, Italy
| | - Alberto Colombo
- Laboratory of Microbiology, ASST-Settelaghi, University of Insubria Varese, Italy
| | - Petra Basso
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria Varese, Italy
| | - Luisa Andrello
- Service of Legal Medicine of Canton Ticino Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Toniolo
- Laboratory of Microbiology, ASST-Settelaghi, University of Insubria Varese, Italy
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Finley SJ, Pechal JL, Benbow ME, Robertson BK, Javan GT. Microbial Signatures of Cadaver Gravesoil During Decomposition. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2016; 71:524-529. [PMID: 26748499 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-015-0725-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Genomic studies have estimated there are approximately 10(3)-10(6) bacterial species per gram of soil. The microbial species found in soil associated with decomposing human remains (gravesoil) have been investigated and recognized as potential molecular determinants for estimates of time since death. The nascent era of high-throughput amplicon sequencing of the conserved 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene region of gravesoil microbes is allowing research to expand beyond more subjective empirical methods used in forensic microbiology. The goal of the present study was to evaluate microbial communities and identify taxonomic signatures associated with the gravesoil human cadavers. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon-based sequencing, soil microbial communities were surveyed from 18 cadavers placed on the surface or buried that were allowed to decompose over a range of decomposition time periods (3-303 days). Surface soil microbial communities showed a decreasing trend in taxon richness, diversity, and evenness over decomposition, while buried cadaver-soil microbial communities demonstrated increasing taxon richness, consistent diversity, and decreasing evenness. The results show that ubiquitous Proteobacteria was confirmed as the most abundant phylum in all gravesoil samples. Surface cadaver-soil communities demonstrated a decrease in Acidobacteria and an increase in Firmicutes relative abundance over decomposition, while buried soil communities were consistent in their community composition throughout decomposition. Better understanding of microbial community structure and its shifts over time may be important for advancing general knowledge of decomposition soil ecology and its potential use during forensic investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheree J Finley
- Ph.D. Program in Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
| | - Jennifer L Pechal
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - M Eric Benbow
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Department of Osteopathic Medical Specialties, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - B K Robertson
- Ph.D. Program in Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA
| | - Gulnaz T Javan
- Forensic Science Program, Physical Sciences Department, Alabama State University, 915 S. Jackson St., Hatch Hall Building Room 251, Montgomery, AL, 36104, USA.
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13
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Weiss S, Carter DO, Metcalf JL, Knight R. Carcass mass has little influence on the structure of gravesoil microbial communities. Int J Legal Med 2016; 130:253-63. [PMID: 26024793 PMCID: PMC9645124 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-015-1206-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about how variables, such as carcass mass, affect the succession pattern of microbes in soils during decomposition. To investigate the effects of carcass mass on the soil microbial community, soils associated with swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) carcasses of four different masses were sampled until the 15th day of decomposition during the month of June in a pasture near Lincoln, Nebraska. Soils underneath swine of 1, 20, 40, and 50 kg masses were investigated in triplicate, as well as control sites not associated with a carcass. Soil microbial communities were characterized by sequencing the archaeal, bacterial (16S), and eukaryotic (18S) rRNA genes in soil samples. We conclude that time of decomposition was a significant influence on the microbial community, but carcass mass was not. The gravesoil associated with 1 kg mass carcasses differs most compared to the gravesoil associated with other carcass masses. We also identify the 15 most abundant bacterial and eukaryotic taxa, and discuss changes in their abundance as carcass decomposition progressed. Finally, we show significant decreases in alpha diversity for carcasses of differing mass in pre-carcass rupture (days 0, 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 postmortem) versus post-carcass rupture (days 9 and 15 postmortem) microbial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Weiss
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - David O Carter
- Laboratory of Forensic Taphonomy, Forensic Sciences Unit, Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Chaminade University of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI, 96816, USA
| | - Jessica L Metcalf
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Rob Knight
- Department of Pediatrics and Computer Science & Engineering, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, MC 0763, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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The importance of microbiological testing for establishing cause of death in 42 forensic autopsies. Forensic Sci Int 2015; 250:27-32. [PMID: 25769131 PMCID: PMC7130849 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Revised: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Microorganisms have always been one of the great challenges of humankind, being responsible for both high morbidity and mortality throughout history. In a forensic setting microbiological information will always be difficult to interpret due to lack of antemortem information and changes in flora postmortem. With this study we aim to review the use of microbiological procedures at our forensic institute. In a retrospective study including 42 autopsies performed at our Institute, where microbiological test had been applied, analyses were made with regard to: type of microbiological tests performed, microorganisms found, histological findings, antemortem information, C-reactive protein measurement and cause of death. Fiftyone different microorganisms were found distributed among 37 cases, bacteria being the most abundant. Nineteen of the cases were classified as having a microbiological related cause of death. C-reactive protein levels were raised in 14 cases of the 19 cases, histological findings either supported or were a decisive factor for the classification of microbiologically related cause of death in 14 cases. As a multitude of abundant microorganisms are able to cause infection under the right circumstances, all findings should be compared to anamnestic antemortem information, before conclusions are drawn. A definite list of true pathogens is nearly impossible to compile.
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Ridpath AD, Halse TA, Musser KA, Wroblewski D, Paddock CD, Shieh WJ, Pasquale-Styles M, Scordi-Bello I, Del Rosso PE, Weiss D. Postmortem diagnosis of invasive meningococcal disease. Emerg Infect Dis 2015; 20:453-5. [PMID: 24565379 PMCID: PMC3944856 DOI: 10.3201/eid2003.131245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We diagnosed invasive meningococcal disease by using immunohistochemical staining of embalmed tissue and PCR of vitreous humor from 2 men in New York City. Because vitreous humor is less subject than other body fluids to putrefaction, it is a good material for postmortem analysis.
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Cerebrospinal fluid PCR analysis and biochemistry in bodies with severe decomposition. J Forensic Leg Med 2014; 30:21-4. [PMID: 25623190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2014.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Revised: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess whether Neisseria meningitidis, Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae can be identified using the polymerase chain reaction technique in the cerebrospinal fluid of severely decomposed bodies with known, noninfectious causes of death or whether postmortem changes can lead to false positive results and thus erroneous diagnostic information. Biochemical investigations, postmortem bacteriology and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis in cerebrospinal fluid were performed in a series of medico-legal autopsies that included noninfectious causes of death with decomposition, bacterial meningitis without decomposition, bacterial meningitis with decomposition, low respiratory tract infections with decomposition and abdominal infections with decomposition. In noninfectious causes of death with decomposition, postmortem investigations failed to reveal results consistent with generalized inflammation or bacterial infections at the time of death. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis in cerebrospinal fluid did not identify the studied bacteria in any of these cases. The results of this study highlight the usefulness of molecular approaches in bacteriology as well as the use of alternative biological samples in postmortem biochemistry in order to obtain suitable information even in corpses with severe decompositional changes.
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