Morgues are high risk areas for the spread of infection from cadavers to
staff during the post-mortem examination. Infection can spread from corpses to workers
by airborne transmission, by direct contact, or through needle and sharp object injuries.
Objective: Knowledge about the prevalence of these infections on autopsy is essential to
determine the risk of transmission and to further enforce safety measures.
Methods: This is a descriptive study. All autopsies performed in the Department of
Forensic Medicine at Jordan University Hospital during the study period were tested for
the serology of human immunodeficiency, hepatitis B and C viruses. Positive tests were
confirmed by nucleic acid testing.
Results: A total of 242 autopsies were tested. Age ranged from 3 days to 94 years
(median 75.5 years, mean 45.3 years (21.9 ± SD)). There were 172 (71%) males. The
cause of death was considered natural in 137 (56.6%) cases, accidental in 89 (36.8%),
homicide in nine (3.7%), suicide in four (1.7%), and unknown in three (1.2%) cases.
Hepatitis B surface antigen was positive in five (2.1%) cases. Hepatitis C virus antibody
was positive in five (2.1%) cases and the hepatitis C virus polymerase chain reaction was
positive in two (0.8%) cases. HIV antibody was not detected in any of the cases. The
infection status of cases was not associated with age, sex, nationality, and cause of death.
Conclusion: The study findings indicated that there is a low prevalence of virus-infected
autopsies in Jordan. However, the risk of transmission remains a potential threat and
therefore the necessary precautions should always be taken during autopsy.

العنوان

Qatar Medical Journal

الناشر

HBKU PRess

بلد الناشر

قطر

نوع المنشور

Both (Printed and Online)

المجلد

--

السنة

2017

الصفحات

14