[Post-mortem microbiology analysis]

Abstract

Post-mortem microbiology is useful in both clinical and forensic autopsies, and allows a suspected infection to be confirmed. Indeed, it is routinely applied to donor studies in the clinical setting, as well as in sudden and unexpected death in the forensic field. Implementation of specific sampling techniques in autopsy can minimize the possibility of contamination, making interpretation of the results easier. Specific interpretation criteria for post-mortem cultures, the use of molecular diagnosis, and its fusion with molecular biology and histopathology have led to post-mortem microbiology playing a major role in autopsy. Multidisciplinary work involving microbiologists, pathologists, and forensic physicians will help to improve the achievements of post-mortem microbiology, prevent infectious diseases, and contribute to a healthier population.

Keywords: Autopsia; Autopsy; Forensic microbiology; Forensic pathology; Meningitis; Meningococcus; Meningococo; Microbiología forense; Microbiología post mórtem; Muerte inesperada; Muerte súbita; Muerte súbita infantil; Patología forense; Post-mortem microbiology; Reacción en cadena de la polimerasa a tiempo real; Real time polimerase chain reaction; Septicemia; Sudden death; Sudden death in infancy; Unexpected death.