Related Experiment Videos
Death caused by DF-2, following a dog-bite.
Forensic Science International
|August 1, 1987
Summary
A dog bite led to the identification of the Gram-negative rod DF-2 bacteria in a deceased woman. This finding suggests DF-2 septicemia as a potential cause of death in similar cases.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Forensic Pathology
Background:
- Gram-negative bacteria can cause severe infections.
- Septicemia is a life-threatening condition often associated with bacterial infections.
Observation:
- The Gram-negative rod, provisionally named DF-2, was isolated from blood cultures.
- The blood sample was obtained 3 days post-mortem from a 65-year-old woman.
- The woman had a history of a dog bite on her finger.
Findings:
- Medico-legal examination revealed skin marbling, indicative of septicemia.
- DF-2 was identified as the likely causative agent of septicemia.
Implications:
- DF-2 infection should be considered in unexplained deaths with a history of dog exposure.
- Diagnostic protocols for forensic investigations should include testing for DF-2 in relevant cases.