How is post-mortem microbiology appraised by pathologists? Results from a practice survey conducted by ESGFOR
V Saegeman1,2, M C Cohen3, J Alberola4
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, K.U. Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. Veroniek.saegeman@uzleuven.be.
Summary
Post-mortem microbiology (PMM) aids in determining cause of death, but sampling lacks standardization. A survey revealed varied practices among pathologists, highlighting the need for improved PMM protocols.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Post-mortem microbiology (PMM) is crucial for determining cause and manner of death.
- Current PMM sampling lacks standardized methodologies.
- The ESCMID Study Group for Forensic and Postmortem Microbiology (ESGFOR) identified a need to assess current practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey pathologists on common PMM practices in clinical and forensic autopsies.
- To understand the technical options and developmental needs in PMM.
- To identify areas for standardization in PMM sampling procedures.
Main Methods:
- A survey was designed by ESGFOR members using Cumitech guidelines.
- The questionnaire was distributed to pathologists primarily in Europe and Turkey via SurveyMonkey.
- 147 pathologists responded to the multiple-choice survey.
Main Results:
- 39% of participants did not utilize PMM, despite awareness.
- Key indications for PMM included clinical suspicion of infection (83%), autopsy signs of infection (83%), and pediatric/perinatal death protocols (67%).
- General bacteriological culture (96%) and PCR assays (34%) were common, with heart blood, femoral blood, spleen, and lung being frequent samples.
Conclusions:
- While PMM is recognized as valuable for cause of death investigations (89% agreement), significant variation in its application exists.
- The survey underscores a clear need for standardization in PMM sampling procedures.
- Further development and standardization are essential to optimize the utility of PMM in forensic and clinical settings.
