The importance of microbiological testing for establishing cause of death in 42 forensic autopsies

Forensic Science International : Synergy
S Christoffersen

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 ...Continue Reading

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Citations

Dec 15, 2015·Science & Justice : Journal of the Forensic Science Society·Lauren P ChunDavid O Carter
Dec 3, 2014·Forensic Science International : Synergy·Seija Ylijoki-SørensenHenrik Bøggild
Jun 1, 2019·Future Microbiology·Leah D BlondeauJoseph M Blondeau
Feb 2, 2021·Frontiers in Microbiology·Jake M RobinsonEran Elhaik

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
blood drawn
PCR

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