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 characterise 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 120hours. Species identification was performed on basis of macroscopic morphology and lactophenol cotton blue staining. RESULTS: Adult cadavers showed 100% colonisation within 48hours, which exclusively yielded Candida parapsilosis. Fetal cadavers, including Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Penicillium glaucum. exhibited slower growth (46.7% by 96hours) 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.