Microbiological Investigation In Dead Bodies For Prevalence of Tuberculosis.

Despite the availability of effective treatment for most cases, tuberculosis is still a cause of death in our country. Some cases of active tuberculosis are not identified until after the patient had died and an autopsy has been performed. This study was done to determine the prevalence of tuberculosis in autopsy cases.We aimed to determine the infection with Mycobacteriumtuberculosis using Tuberculosis culture in samples that were obtained from lungs of forensic cases whoseautopsies had been performed in the mortuary of our institution.In our autopsy study, out of the 168 tissue samples that were obtained from lungs over a period of three years, only 9 (5.36%) were positive for Tuberculosis in Lowenstein-Jensen medium. For this reason, we think that autopsy workers have to be carefulabout tuberculosis during their autopsy working. Awareness of tuberculosis and its high prevalence in India is essential for minimising missed diagnoses. Absence of suspicion and delayed diagnosis mean increased risk in health care and at autopsy. Although this is a burning issue but the forensic medicine departments in India seem to be taking it lightly.

Euthanasia revisited: The aruna shanbaug verdict.

Euthanasia and its procedure have long history of locking horns as a vexed issue with laws of countries across the world. Every human being of adult years and sound mind has a right to determine what shall be done with his/her own body. It is unlawful to administer treatment to an adult who is conscious and of sound mind, without his consent. In patients with Permanently Vegetative State (PVS) and no hope of improvement, the distinction between refusing life saving medical treatment (passive euthanasia) and giving lethal medication is logical, rational, and well established. It is ultimately for the Court to decide, as parens patriae, as to what is in the best interest of the patient. An erroneous decision not to terminate results in maintenance of the status quo; the possibility of subsequent developments such as advancements in medical science, the discovery of new evidence regarding the patient’s intent, changes in the law, or simply the unexpected death of the patient despite the administration of life-sustaining treatment, at least create the potential that a wrong decision will eventually be corrected or its impact mitigated.

Pre-testing Screening for HIV before Conducting Post-mortem Examinations.

The concern about contracting an infectious disease during the course of an autopsy is great, a concern heightened when the devastating infections that could be transmitted are considered. The fear and concern, however, appear out of proportion to the actual incidence of such disease transmission. In our autopsy study, out of the total 328 blood samples tested, only 2 (0.6%) samples were found to be HIV seroreactive, over a period of three years. A comparison with similar studies abroad, reveals varied results, which do not represent the population data. However more such studies will be needed in different regions of countries to find any significant pattern or correlation. Although this is a burning issue but the forensic medicine departments in India seem to be taking it lightly. The association of the department with a microbiologist is essential in saving its staff.