[Microbial contamination of ABO antigens in bone tissue]

Fragments of human bones were stored in different media for two years and then expression of the ABO antigens was indicated. Simultaneously, microbiological investigations were performed. In almost all cases, different ABO substances were detected in putrefied and fresh bones taken from the same person. Blood group antigens found in putrefied bones were compared with serological activity of bacterium cultured from these tissues. Attempts were made to remove unspecific reactions. The authors assume that bacteria are responsible for nonspecific serological reactions, not only as a carrier of blood-group-like substances, but also as a source of enzymes responsible for changes in the structure of ABO antigens in putrefied bones.