PMID: 8939008Nov 11, 1996Paper

Is the exploding powder gas of the propellant from blank cartridges sterile?

Forensic Science International : Synergy
M A Rothschild, O Liesenfeld

Abstract

Shots from blank weapons loaded with blank cartridges, when fired from close range or as a contact shot, almost always cause the skin to burst open and lead to injuries to structures below the surface. Subsequently, wound infections are often observed. In addition to the introduction of skin germs, the possibility exists that contaminated propellants may enter into consideration as a source of infection. Using step-by-step experimental procedures we were able to demonstrate that: 1. Blank cartridge propellants were almost always contaminated with Bacillus cereus (nitrocellulose powder more so than black powder); 2. When the shot is fired numerous bacteria survive and are forced out with the gunsmoke from the weapon and thus find their way into the wound. In principle, blank cartridge propellant thus exhibits as much potential for wound infection as the skin germs. Clearly, the species B. cereus is prominent in this context. For open injuries even with 'harmless' blank weapons, an antibiotic prophylaxis should always be administered.

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Citations

Apr 11, 2006·International Journal of Legal Medicine·M Grosse PerdekampS Pollak
Aug 14, 2002·Surgical Neurology·A GieseK Püschel
Oct 11, 2003·Forensic Science International : Synergy·Franck ClarotBernard Proust
Jan 30, 1999·Forensic Science International : Synergy·B Karger, K Teige
Jun 17, 1999·Forensic Science International : Synergy·M A Rothschild, K Vendura
Jul 21, 2011·Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine·Serafettin DemirciSermet Koc
Apr 12, 2014·International Journal of Legal Medicine·C EggerT Fracasso
Jul 19, 2017·International Journal of Legal Medicine·Rebecca PircherDorothee Geisenberger

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