Sambasivarao Yaragalla^1,, Amruta Rajput^2,

Cadavers remain a principal teaching & research tool for anatomists and microbiologists. Infectious pathogens in preserved cadavers that present particular risks include Bacteria, Viruses and Prions such as Mycobacterium, hepatitis B and C, HIV and encephalopathies . It is often claimed that 10% formalin fixatives are effective in inactivation of these agents. The purpose of this study is to determine if anatomy preserved cadavers fixed in a formalin solution and internal organs are a possible source of introduction of microorganisms into the anatomy laboratory. Routinely preserved cadavers were sampled include Spinal cord, Brain and Lung. Using conventional microbiologic culture and identification methods, the research group was able to successfully recover and identify a variety of organisms from all samples includes surface and internal organs. Three different fungal species, Trichophyton spp, Aspergillus spp and Penicillium spp, were isolated from internal organs of preserved cadaver. The results indicate that preserved cadavers processed with 10% buffered formalin have viable organisms on their surfaces and internal organs that can be a source of contamination. In this brief review, we describe the infectious pathogens that can be detected in preserved internal organs from the cadavers and suggest safety guidelines including airborne precautions for the protection of all who handle and visit cadavers against infectious hazards in the anatomy lab. The results of this research support the use for further analysis to prevent infectious diseases in Anatomy lab who handle preserved cadavers and dissect internal organs.

Cadavers, research methods, contamination, cadaver dissection, medical curriculum, gross anatomy, infection, mycobacterium, hepatitis, AIDS, HIV, prion