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Microdialysis of Ethanol During Operant Ethanol Self-administration and Ethanol Determination by Gas Chromatography
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Postmortem in vitro ethanol production-It could be more common than we think!
Maria José Quintas1, Pedro Costa1, Paula Melo1
1National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Portugal.
Forensic Science International
|January 22, 2017
Summary
Postmortem blood alcohol concentration (BAC) results can be misleading due to in vitro ethanol production by microorganisms. This case highlights the complexity of interpreting BAC in forensic toxicology, especially in postmortem samples.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Microbiology
- Postmortem Medicine
Background:
- Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is a common forensic toxicology test with significant legal and social implications.
- Interpreting postmortem BAC is complex, requiring careful consideration of various factors.
- In vitro ethanol production can interfere with accurate BAC determination in postmortem samples.
Observation:
- A case report details a 55-year-old male with an initial BAC of 0.18g/L that rapidly increased to 0.85g/L over three days.
- Microbiological examination of the sample identified Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida parapsilosis.
- These microorganisms are known to be involved in in vitro ethanol production.
Findings:
- The observed increase in BAC was attributed to microbial ethanol production in the postmortem sample.
- This case underscores the potential for discrepancies in postmortem BAC results.
- The presence of specific bacteria and yeast confirmed the mechanism of in vitro ethanol generation.
Implications:
- Postmortem BAC interpretation requires thorough analysis to account for potential microbial contamination and ethanol production.
- Medico-legal questions arise regarding the reliability and interpretation of BAC in postmortem cases.
- Accurate BAC determination in forensic toxicology necessitates understanding and addressing in vitro ethanol production limitations.
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