Fungal colonisation of formaldehyde-embalmed fetal and adult cadavers: Species identification and occupational health implications.

BACKGROUND

While cadaveric dissection is a cornerstone of medical education, standard formaldehyde-based preservation often fails to ensure microbial sterility. Fungal colonisation of preserved specimen's compromises tissue integrity and poses occupational health risks, including respiratory issues, for students and laboratory staff.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to isolate, identify, and characterize fungal species from formaldehyde-preserved adult and fetal cadavers to inform and strengthen disinfection strategies in anatomy laboratories.

METHODS

Sixty swab samples were collected from the facial, axillary, and pelvic regions of 20 formaldehyde-embalmed cadavers (10 adults; 10 fetuses). Samples were inoculated onto Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) and incubated at 28°C for 120 h. Species identification was performed on basis of macroscopic morphology and lactophenol cotton blue staining.

RESULTS

Adult cadavers showed 100% colonisation within 48 h, which exclusively yielded Candida parapsilosis. Fetal cadavers, including Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Penicillium glaucum. exhibited slower growth (46.7% by 96 h) but higher species diversity. The facial region was the primary site of diversity in fetal specimens.

CONCLUSION

Formaldehyde preservation is insufficient to inhibit fungal growth. Adult tissues are more susceptible to yeast, whereas fetal tissues host diverse filamentous fungi. These findings underscore the need for targeted disinfection protocols, stringent humidity control, and robust personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate occupational health risks.