166 - Applied histological research on cadaver room pathogen in department of human anatomy and cell biology in Delta State University Nigeria

Poster Board Number: 166
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Co-authors:

TANIYOHWO ENAOHWO, MBBS, Phd. - HEAD OF DEPARTMENT, HUMAN ANATOMY AND CELL BIOLOGY, DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY, NIGERIA; ESTHER ADEDIBU - LECTURER, MEDICINE, ALL SAINTS UNIVERSIY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE; WISDOM IKPAMA - STUDENT, MEDICINE, ALL SAINTS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE, DOMINICA; CHIDINMA OKOBAH - MEDICAL OFFICER, CEDARCREST HOSPITAL

Abstract Body : Introduction: Laboratory associated infection is a common complaint from medical students that has been associated with visits to gross anatomy laboratory for training sessions, which is essential for medical training. Hence it is necessary to identify the source of infection for adequate prevention and control. This study identify and evaluate the bacterial and microbial profile of the gross anatomy laboratory used for practical by medical students.

Materials and Method: Swabbed samples were obtained from various aspects of the cadaver that includes: the right pectoralis major, right biceps brachii muscle, colon and right lobe of the liver, and from other sections of the laboratory such as, the cadaver stretcher, emersion tank, sink and door handle within 24 hours. The samples were sent immediately to the laboratory for identification of isolates using biochemical and culture techniques. Culture samples collected from cadaveric tissues where dated, timed and appropriately label. Culture samples from the cadaver were repeated after exposing cadaver for forty- eight hours.

Results: Staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aurogemosa were isolated from the cadaver stretcher, emersion tank, sink and door handle, and was resistant to the following antibiotics; streptomycin, erythromycin, septrin, chloramphenicol, cioxacillin, and zinnacef. No pathogen was found in cadaver after 24 hours. however, repeated sample after 48 hours show pathogen.

Conclusion: Findings from this study suggests that cadaver preserved with formalin is not a potential source of infection which could be attributed to the bactericidal potential of formalin. However, the laboratory environment supports pathogenic growth, thus a potential source of infection. Regular disinfection of the laboratory environment is necessary to curtail the spread of infection.

Significance/Implication: Cadavers remain a principal teaching tool for anatomists and medical educators teaching gross anatomy, the research indicate that cadaver preserved with formalin are safe for dissection during medical training. however when cadaver is exposed out of the formalin for more than 24 hours can be a source of infection, hence cadaver should be return to formalin within 24 hours after a session of dissection.