DECOMPOSITION (Putrefaction)

• by the action of bacteria (putrification) and endogenous enzymes (autolysis).
• Dissolution of tissues - gases, liquids & salts
• Common bacteria are normal commensals coliforms, Clostridium, micrococci etc. fungi, such as Penicillium & Apergillus & sometimes from insects, which may be mature or larval stage.
• Septicaemia & temperature will hasten the process. 1-14 days.
• Obese, oedema bodies putrefy more rapidly.
• 1 week of putrefaction in air = 2 weeks in water = 8 weeks in soil at similar temp. Casper's dictum.
• Buried in well drained soil, an adult body is reduced to a skeleton in about 10 years.
• Greenish discoloration of anterior abdominal skin. (sulph-haemoglobin)
• Commonly begins in the right iliac fossa.
• "marbling" the superficial veins of the skin become visible as a purple-brown network.
• Epidermal shedding revealing a shiny, moist, pink base – dry - yellow parchment appearance. resembles ante-mortem abrasions and scalds.

Category: Forensic Medicine Notes