Histological techniques and microscopic analysis of biological agents for preservation of human bone remains

Microscopy and histology techniques can be applied to morphological study o f fungi and bacteria contaminating ancient human osteological remains. Unde calcified samples are cut with a diamond rotary blade microtome and an orig inal technique was applied using adhesive tape to prevent damage to the bon e surface during sectioning. We used light microscopy, polarized light micr oscopy, and epi-illumination fluorescence systems. Common dyes can be appli ed to 80 mum sections using classic staining techniques to reveal the archi tecture of bone and the presence of infecting biological agents.