A body found after 3 days in a warm climate shows green discolouration of the right iliac fossa. This is the earliest sign of:

• A Cadaveric adipocere formation
• B Mummification
• C Saponification
• D Putrefaction ✓

Explanation

Green discolouration of the right iliac fossa is the first external sign of putrefaction and appears 24-48 hours after death in warm climates. It results from bacterial action (mainly Clostridium welchii) on haemoglobin producing sulphaemoglobin and iron sulphide, which gives the green-black colour. The right iliac fossa is affected first because the caecum harbours the largest concentration of intestinal bacteria.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.