Biography
Biography: Suresh Kumar Dhattarwal
Abstract
Forensic experts are among few whose occupational contact with cadavers exposes them to the hazard of infection, either in a controlled setting, such as a mortuary or where bodies may be damaged and tissues scattered, such as at the scene of an accident. Forensic experts, mortuary attendants, embalmers, funeral directors, and members of the emergency services handle corpses. All of these are potentially at risk of exposure to pathogenic microorganisms carried by the cadavers with which they come in contact. Infectious agents such as mould spores or lead dust are a great risk to those involved in exhumations. Infectious conditions and pathogens in the recently deceased that present particular risks in tropical countries include tuberculosis, group A streptococcal infection, gastrointestinal organisms, hepatitis B and C viruses, HIV and possibly meningitis and septicaemia due to meningococcal infection. The observance of control of substances hazardous to health regulations, use of appropriate protective clothing, transportation of cadavers to the mortuary in waterproof body bags or fiberglass temporary coffins and appropriate training of morgue and emergency staff will go a long way in protecting all who handle cadavers against infectious hazards.