Microbiological analysis in the fixation and preservation of dog cadavers with ethyl alcohol and sodium chloride solution

Abstract

There are several fixative or preservative solutions for use on cadavers, and formaldehyde is the most widely used. However, this chemical may present negative effects for professionals who manipulate it. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and quantify the main microorganisms related to the fixation and preservation of dog cadavers using an alternative and formaldehyde-free solution. After arterial injection (120 mL kg?1 95% 96° GL ethyl alcohol and 5% pure glycerin), cadavers were placed in 96° GL ethyl alcohol for 30 (group 1), 60 (group 2), 90 (group 3), and 120 days (group 4). After the fixation period, they remained under preservation in a 30% aqueous sodium chloride solution for 120 days. Bacterial quantification was performed by the pour plate method. The bacterial population was present in all groups during fixation, except for group 1, but never exceeded 9 × 101 CFU mL?1 in total aerobes and 7 × 101 CFU mL?1 in total anaerobes. The microbial population was present in all groups in at least two moments during preservation and never exceeded 7 × 101 CFU mL?1 in total aerobes and anaerobes. The presence of fungi was observed in 8 out of 34 analyses. Pseudomonas sp., Escherichia coli, and Bacillus sp. were identified in the analyzed samples. Microbiological counting was low, and no signs of contamination were observed in the vats at visual inspection.