Histological techniques and microscopic analysis of biological agents for preservation of human bone remains

Microscopy and histology techniques can be applied to morphological study of fungi and bacteria contaminating ancient human osteological remains. Undecalcified samples are cut with a diamond rotary blade microtome and an original technique was applied using adhesive tape to prevent damage to the bone surface during sectioning. We used light microscopy, polarized light microscopy, and epi-illumination fluorescence systems. Common dyes can be applied to 80 microm sections using classic staining techniques to reveal the architecture of bone and the presence of infecting biological agents.