Putrefaction Process

Putrefaction is the decaying of organic matter by microorganisms. The putrefaction process is an integral part of the decomposition that involves various chemical and biological changes. Putrefaction of food and the human body involves the breakdown of proteins into simpler compounds leading to the release of foul gases and the deterioration of organic material. Putrefying bacteria are majorly responsible for this process. In this article, we will cover putrefaction notes, processes, and more.

What is Putrefaction?

Putrefaction is the process of decaying organic matter by microorganisms like fungi and bacteria producing a foul smell. It usually occurs between 10 to 20 days after the death of an organism. The process involves the breakdown of proteins, and tissues, and the liquefaction of the organs.

The fungi and bacteria release certain gases that deteriorate and infiltrate body tissues and organs. The bacteria also play an important role in recycling nitrogen into the soil from the dead organisms. Various factors like temperature, moisture, light, age, and cause of death affect the time taken for putrefaction.

What is the Process of Putrefaction?

Putrefaction is an important process in decomposition it involves various stages like:

Initial decay

The initial stages are paleness of skin, change in body temperature (algor mortis), rigidity in the movement of the corpse (rigor mortis), and settlement of blood in the lower body (livor mortis). These are the result of the release of gases that undergo bacterial reductive catalysis.

Bloating

In this stage, the anaerobic bacteria enter the digestive tract and start to digest the proteins of the body making the tissues weak. This causes distention of the abdomen, swelling of the face and genitalia, and liquid discharge from the nostrils and mouth. The color of the skin changes often to a greenish tint color due to the production of sulfur-containing gases that are produced by the breakdown of hemoglobin. The swelling of the abdomen is due to the accumulation of gases like methane, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide that are by the bacteria.

Active Decay

This is the most visually dramatic stage that occurs few weeks after the death of an organism. The gases that were accumulated escape and the body deflates and the tissues become black and creamy. Due to the escape of gases a strong odor is present and the insects start feeding on the decomposing tissues.

Advanced Decay

The rate of body decay slows down as the body dries out, and most of the flesh is removed from the body either by insects or microorganisms. The mass of the body also decreases significantly.

Dry Decay (Skeletonization)

This is the final stage of the process that takes months to years after death. The remaining organic material dries and decays slowly and the body is reduced to bones, hair, and some dried skin.

Bacteria that Cause Putrefaction

Putrefying bacteria are microorganisms that break down organic matter, producing foul-smelling gases and compounds. Some of these bacteria are:

• Anaerobic Bacteria: These bacteria live in the absence of oxygen decompose the proteins and cause foul smell. Example: Clostridium Species.
• Aerobic Bacteria: These bacteria are active when the body of the organism is exposed to air and it breaks down organs and tissues. Example: Pseudomonas and Bacillus.
• Facultative Anaerobic Bacteria: These types of bacteria can survive both in aerobic and anaerobic conditions and these are important in the initial stages of decomposition. Escherichia coli present in the intestine is an example of this type of bacteria.

Putrefaction of a Human Body

Putrefaction in humans occurs 10 to 15 days after death, it involves the breakdown of proteins and tissues, and the liquefaction of organs by bacteria and fungi. After cessation of homeostasis, the natural flora of the body migrates from the gut to blood vessels and spreads throughout the body. The microorganisms from outside enter the body through the alimentary canal, respiratory tract, and wounds. Clostridium welchii is the anaerobic rod-shaped bacteria that primarily causes putrefaction in humans. The bacteria releases lecithinase which causes lecithin in the blood cells and destroys it.

The order of organs which undergo putrefaction are:

• Larynx and trachea
• Stomach and intestines
• Spleen and liver
• Brain and lungs
• Heart
• Kidney
• Uterus and prostrate
• Bone

The last organ to putrefy in females is the uterus and in males is the prostrate.

Putrefaction of Food

Putrefaction of food refers to the process by which food decomposes due to the activity of microorganisms, primarily bacteria, which break down food. During putrefaction of food, bacteria such as Clostridium and Pseudomonas play a significant role in breaking down organic matter. These bacteria thrive in anaerobic environments, such as those found in poorly preserved or improperly stored food. As they metabolize nutrients present in the food, they release various gases such as hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia, causing release of foul odor.

Putrefaction not only make food unpalatable but also poses health risks due to the production of toxins by certain bacteria. For example, Clostridium botulinum, a common bacterium found in soil and water, can produce toxins that cause botulism when ingested in contaminated food. Therefore, proper food storage, handling, and preservation techniques are essential to prevent putrefaction and ensure food safety.

Putrefaction Vs Decomposition

The difference between putrefaction and decomposition is given below:

Aspect	Putrefaction	Decomposition
Definition	Biological breakdown of organic matter, typically in the presence of oxygen	General breakdown of organic matter, which can occur with or without oxygen
Process	Often involves the action of anaerobic bacteria, leading to foul-smelling compounds	Can involve various microorganisms and chemical processes
Odor	Characterized by strong, unpleasant odors	Odors can vary depending on the stage and conditions of decomposition
Products	Produces gases such as hydrogen sulfide, methane, and ammonia	Generates gases like carbon dioxide and methane, along with various organic compounds
Environmental	Often associated with environments rich in organic material, such as swamps and sewage	Occurs in various environments, including soil, water, and organic matter
Timeframe	Typically occurs after death in organic matter, especially animal tissues	Can occur continuously in nature, from the breakdown of plant matter to the recycling of organic nutrients

Factors Affecting Putrefaction

Two types of factors affect the rate of Putrefaction:

• External factors
• Internal factors

External Factors

The external factors affecting Putrefaction are as follows:

• Temperature: High temperatures accelerate the putrefaction process as the activity of the microbes increases under warm conditions. Extremely high temperatures can also inhibit bacterial growth and can cause the tissues to desiccate and slow down the decomposition. Cold temperatures slow down or halt the process by inhibiting the growth of microbes and their activity.
• Availability of Oxygen: Aerobic bacteria require oxygen and they become more active in the presence of the gas. In the absence of oxygen, the aerobic bacteria become dominant and affect the rate and nature of the process.
• Moisture content: The environment that has more moisture content increases the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms. Dry conditions slow down or halt the process.
• Light: The presence of light inhibits the putrefaction process as the microbes are active in the absence of light.
• pH Level: Acidity or alkalinity of the soil has an impact on microbial activity as some microorganisms live in acidic conditions while others prefer alkaline conditions.
• Presence of Microorganisms: The organs that contain more bacteria like the intestine and stomach decompose faster than the other organs. The organs that have more fluid content also decompose faster. The organ that first decomposes is the brain and the last organ to decompose is the kidneys.
• Burial Practice and Clothing: Certain clothing can retain moisture and that accelerates microbial activity. Burial depth, type of coffin, and the soil composition have an impact on the putrefaction process.

Internal Factors

The internal factors affecting Putrefaction are:

• Age: The age of the organism has an impact on putrefaction; young age putrefies more quickly than the one who died of older age. Infant and fetus putrefies slowly because they are sterile
• Cause of Death: The bodies of people with infectious diseases decompose faster than those who have died of accident or violence.
• Body Size and Composition: Larger bodies take a longer time to decompose as it has a large volume of tissue and the body composition like fat content also impacts the rate of putrefaction.
• External Injuries: Any external injury in the body accelerates the putrefaction process because the bacteria can invade the body easily.

Conclusion – Putrefaction

Putrefaction is the process of decay of organic matter by the microorganisms which involves the breakdown of protein, tissues, and liquefaction of organs. The microorganisms that do putrefaction are fungi, mold, E.coli, pseudomonas, and anaerobic bacteria. The time it takes for putrefaction to occur depends on a number of things. The age at which death has happened, the general structure and state of the body, the cause of death, and any exterior injuries sustained either before or after death are examples of internal factors that influence the rate of putrefaction.

FAQs on Putrefaction

What is the Putrefaction Process?

The decomposition of the organic matter by the bacteria and fungi anaerobically and producing foul-smelling oxidized products is known as putrefaction.

What is the First Stage of Putrefaction?

The first stage is the discolouration of the skin in the cecum region which usually appears in 12-24 hours after death. The discoloration happens in the undersurface of the liver.

What is the Period of Putrefaction?

In the putrefaction process autolysis occurs and gases are released from 4-10 days after death. The exposed skin turns black, bloating and fluids are released from the body within 10-20 days after death.

What is the First Organ to Undergo Putrefaction?

The external sign of putrefaction is the green discoloration of the skin of the abdominal wall in the right iliac fossa region.

What is Black Putrefaction?

The 4th stage of putrefaction is black putrefaction where the flies and beetles feed on the decaying flesh that happens 10-20 days after death. The body collapses with a black exposed surface and the tissues turn creamy and the body eventually flattens.

What is Putrefaction of the Body?

Putrefaction of the body is the process of decomposition after death, where bacteria break down organic matter, resulting in the release of gases and the characteristic odor of decay.

What is Putrefaction and Decay?

The breakdown of the body’s tissues and organs is known as putrefaction. On the other hand, decaying refers to the body’s disintegration or decomposition caused by biological or chemical causes.

What is Putrefaction in Microbiology?

Putrefaction in microbiology refers to the decomposition of organic matter, particularly proteins, by bacteria.