Introduction
Putrefaction is the term for the process through which organic matter undergoes microbial decomposition and produces an unpleasant odour. This occurs 10 to 20 days after the organism dies. The putrefaction process results in a number of activities, including the breakdown of proteins, the breakdown of tissue cohesion, and the liquefaction of the majority of the organs.
The body’s tissues and organs deteriorate as a result of the putrefying bacteria and fungi that proliferate throughout the body. They are crucial in the process of recycling nitrogen from decomposing organisms.
POST MORTEM CHANGES
A. Immediate Changes
B. Early Changes
C. Late Changes
A. Immediate change after death (First Stage)
1. Stoppage of function of nervous system.
2. Stoppage of respiration.
3. Stoppage of circulation.
B. Early changes after death (Second Stage)
1. Facial pallor.
2. Loss of elasticity of skin.
3. Primary relaxation of the muscles.
4. Changes in the eye.
5. Cooling of the dead body.
6. Post mortem staining.
7. Rigor mortis or postmortem rigidity.
C. Late changes (Third Stage)
1. Putrefaction or ordinary decomposition.
2. Adepocere formation
3. Mummification
Sign of Death followed by Mortis
The fifth Sign of death is putrefaction, which is followed by the following:
- First Stage: Paleness of the skin (Pallor Mortis),
- Second Stage: Change in body temperature (Algor Mortis),
- Third Stage: Rigidity or swiftness in the movement of a corpse (Rigor Mortis),
- Fourth Stage: Settlement of blood on the lower side of the body (Livor Mortis).
Bacteria Involved in Putrefaction
The aforementioned phases are brought on by the emission of gases that are subject to bacterial reductive catalysis, which causes the abdomen to distend, the face and genitalia to enlarge, and the mouth and nose to expel putrid liquids.
The aerobic bacteria Bacillus and Pseudomonas are the most common of the putrefactive microorganisms. Although they are also engaged in putrefaction, mould fungus doesn’t have a significant impact on the process.
In humans’ anaerobic digestive system bacteria initially begin to break down bodily proteins, weakening the tissues. Following the breakdown of the proteins, the bacteria produce various gases and chemical compounds including putrescine and cadaverine, giving off a vile rotten-flesh odour.
The body’s skin tissues burst during the putrefaction process, releasing bacterial gas and eventually reaching the skeletonization stage.
Factors Affecting Putrefaction
Environment: Putrefaction levels increase as temperatures rise. The ideal temperature range for putrefaction is 21°C to 38°C. If the temperature is below 0°C or over 48°C, the putrefaction process is slowed.
Age: A young person’s body decomposes faster than an older person’s. On the other hand, because they are sterile, newborns’ and foetuses’ bodies are putrefied gradually.
Body Condition: A fat body moves more quickly than a lean body because it generates more heat and water in its tissues.
Moisture: The putrefaction process is slowed down by an absence of air or by submerging a body in water. When moisture and air are present, microbes grow, which causes the organism to deteriorate.
Cause of Death: When compared to persons who died from accidents, those who died from infectious disorders have a quicker putrefaction process.
External Injuries: Bodies with external injuries have bacterial invasions, which facilitates the putrefaction process. In comparison to dirt, earth, and water, the rate of putrefaction is greater in the air. When exposed to air, body discolouration occurs within 12 to 24 hours. Using carbolic acid, arsenic, strychnine, and zinc chloride, putrefaction can be slowed.
Clothing: Tight clothing restricts blood flow, which makes it harder for bacteria to thrive.
Putrefying Bacteria
Putrefying bacteria are microorganisms that participate in the putrefaction of living beings. Amino acids or urea are used by putrefying bacteria to break down dead organisms. Ammonium ions are created during this process, and they are later changed into nitrate. Finally, they may be utilised by plants to produce additional proteins. The digestive system of humans contains putrefying microorganisms that are also engaged in digesting.
Bacteria may easily move throughout the body through blood vessels, which make a great pathway for them to do so. When haemoglobin is present in the superficial veins, it decomposes, leaving behind linear branching patterns of brown discolouration on the skin that are referred to as “marbling.”
Organs show putrefactive changes in the following order –
i. Larynx & Trachea.
ii. Stomach & Intestines.
iii. Spleen.
iv. Liver: honeycomb appearance (‘foamy liver’)
v. Brain (brains of infants putrefies early).
vi. Heart & Lungs
vii. Kidneys and bladder.
viii. Blood vessels.
ix. Uterus – last organ to putrefy in females. A gravid uterus decomposes earlier than a non-gravid uterus
x. Prostate – last to decompose in males.
xi. Followed by skin, muscle & tendon
Putrefaction delayed in:
a) Death due to wasting diseases, anaemia
b) Poisoning by
i. Carbolic Acid,
ii. Zinc Chloride,
iii. Strychnine &
iv. Chronic Heavy Metal Poisoning e.g. Arsenic.
Adipocere Formation
Adipocere is a modified form of putrefaction that involves the hydrolysis and hydrogenation of fatty tissues to produce a yellowish, greasy, rancid material. After a few months, this adipocere changes from yellow and soft to white and brittle. It is harder to remember the face shape over time since it starts to change.
