Studies in Autopsy Bacteriology

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Abstract
The bacterial flora from a number of sources was studied in 50 consecutive autopsies. During the first 48-hr. postmortem period, the factor of time does not appear to be an important consideration in the rate of bacterial contamination. "Opportunist" pathogens (often considerated postmortem contaminants), as the coliform bacilli, Staphylococcus aureus, and species of the genera Proteus and Pseudomonas, play an etiologlc role in the majority of intercurrent respiratory infections encountered at autopsy. Failure to demonstrate frequent evidence of postmortem bacterial transmigration serves to support this thesis. Postmortem blood cultures from the heart and spleen give comparable results in most instances. However, the heart appears to be a more valid source of blood culture when peritonitis exists. Failure to find bacteria in direct smears of a suspected infectious process at autopsy need not rule out bacterial etiology, and does not invalidate the significance of a positive culture.
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