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Spychała K, Piecuch A, Szleszkowski Ł, Kadej M, Ogórek R. Microscopic fungi on the corpse - Promising tool requiring further research. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 361:112129. [PMID: 38986228 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Forensic microbiology is a relatively new area of forensic sciences. It considers the potential of microorganisms to be used in criminal investigations. As most studies involve the role of bacteria in fields like post-mortem interval estimation, personal identification or geolocation, the data on the role of fungi is comparatively scarce. Forensic mycology involves the application of fungi and their structures in forensic cases. The aim of this review is the evaluation of the current state of knowledge on fungi associated with human cadavers and their possible role in estimating the time since death. In accordance with the available reports, we focused on the relation between microscopic fungi isolated from human corpses and the cadaver condition e.g., the stage of decomposition. We also emphasised the contrast between the reported methodologies and attempted to standardise research methods in forensic mycology from sample collection to its storage, mycological analysis and identification of the obtained fungal cultures. Moreover, the potential usage of microscopic fungi in criminal cases was discussed based on various case reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudyna Spychała
- Department of Mycology and Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63, Wroclaw PL-51-148, Poland
| | - Agata Piecuch
- Department of Mycology and Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63, Wroclaw PL-51-148, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szleszkowski
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 4, Wrocław PL-50-345, Poland
| | - Marcin Kadej
- Centre for Forensic Biology and Entomology, Department of Invertebrate Biology, Evolution and Conservation, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 65, Wrocław PL-51-148, Poland.
| | - Rafał Ogórek
- Department of Mycology and Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63, Wroclaw PL-51-148, Poland
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Al-Shuhaib MBS, Hashim HO. Mastering DNA chromatogram analysis in Sanger sequencing for reliable clinical analysis. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2023; 21:115. [PMID: 37955813 PMCID: PMC10643650 DOI: 10.1186/s43141-023-00587-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sanger dideoxy sequencing is vital in clinical analysis due to its accuracy, ability to analyze genetic markers like SNPs and STRs, capability to generate reliable DNA profiles, and its role in resolving complex clinical cases. The precision and robustness of Sanger sequencing contribute significantly to the scientific basis of clinical investigations. Though the reading of chromatograms seems to be a routine step, many errors conducted in PCR may lead to consequent limitations in the readings of AGCT peaks. These errors are possibly associated with improper DNA amplification and its subsequent interpretation of DNA sequencing files, such as noisy peaks, artifacts, and confusion between double-peak technical errors, heterozygosity, and double infection potentials. Thus, it is not feasible to read nucleic acid sequences without giving serious attention to these technical problems. To ensure the accuracy of DNA sequencing outcomes, it is also imperative to detect and rectify technical challenges that may lead to misinterpretation of the DNA sequence, resulting in errors and incongruities in subsequent analyses. SHORT CONCLUSION This overview sheds light on prominent technical concerns that can emerge prior to and during the interpretation of DNA chromatograms in Sanger sequencing, along with offering strategies to address them effectively. The significance of identifying and tackling these technical limitations during the chromatogram analysis is underscored in this review. Recognizing these concerns can aid in enhancing the quality of downstream analyses for Sanger sequencing results, which holds notable improvement in accuracy, reliability, and ability to provide crucial genetic information in clinical analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Baqur S Al-Shuhaib
- Department of Animal Production, College of Agriculture, Al-Qasim Green University, Al-Qasim 8, Babil, 51001, Iraq.
| | - Hayder O Hashim
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Babylon, Babil, 51001, Iraq
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de Campos EG, de Almeida OGG, De Martinis ECP. The role of microorganisms in the biotransformation of psychoactive substances and its forensic relevance: a critical interdisciplinary review. Forensic Sci Res 2023; 8:173-184. [PMID: 38221972 PMCID: PMC10785599 DOI: 10.1093/fsr/owad025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms are widespread on the planet being able to adapt, persist, and grow in diverse environments, either rich in nutrient sources or under harsh conditions. The comprehension of the interaction between microorganisms and drugs is relevant for forensic toxicology and forensic chemistry, elucidating potential pathways of microbial metabolism and their implications. Considering the described scenario, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive and critical review of the state of the art of interactions amongst microorganisms and common drugs of abuse. Additionally, other drugs of forensic interest are briefly discussed. This paper outlines the importance of this area of investigation, covering the intersections between forensic microbiology, forensic chemistry, and forensic toxicology applied to drugs of abuse, and it also highlights research potentialities. Key points Microorganisms are widespread on the planet and grow in a myriad of environments.Microorganisms can often be found in matrices of forensic interest.Drugs can be metabolized or produced (e.g. ethanol) by microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo G de Campos
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, USA
| | - Otávio G G de Almeida
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine C P De Martinis
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Biodeteriogens Characterization and Molecular Analyses of Diverse Funeral Accessories from XVII Century. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/app10165451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A historical crypt offers us a particular view of the conditions of some buried materials (in this case textiles) and the various biogenic phenomena to which they were subjected over the centuries. In addition, significant knowledge can come by studying the DNA of buried objects which allows the recognition of materials, but also to reveal some practice of the funeral ceremony. In this study, the deteriorating microbial communities colonizing various funeral textile items were identified and characterized using microscopic observation, cultivation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing, hydrolytic tests; and culture-independent analysis (high-throughput sequencing, MinION platform). Different PCR assays and consequent sequencing of amplicons were employed to recognize the animal origin of bodice reinforcements and the type of plant used to embellish the young girl. The analysis of ancient DNA (aDNA from animal and plant) was also completed by the application of high-throughput sequencing through Illumina platform. The combination of all these techniques permitted the identification of a complex microbiota composed by dangerous degradative microorganisms able to hydrolyze various organic substrates such as fibroin, keratin, and cellulose. Bacteria responsible for metal corrosion and bio-mineralization, and entomopathogenic and phytopathogenic fungi. The analysis of aDNA identified the animal component used in bodice manufacturing, the plant utilized as ornament and probably the season of this fatal event.
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Fungal succession during mammalian cadaver decomposition and potential forensic implications. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12907. [PMID: 31501472 PMCID: PMC6733900 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49361-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The necrobiome is the postmortem community that includes bacteria, fungi, arthropods, and other cadaver-associated organisms. It has been suggested as biological evidence for forensic investigation. Fungi form distinctive mildew spots in colonizing decomposing bodies, converting them into moldy cadavers. However, the postmortem fungal community consists of more than these visible species. Characterizing the succession pattern of the fungal community during decomposition is valuable not only for understanding the ecosystem composition of the cadaver decomposition islands but also for contributing to forensic investigations. In the present study, the fungal composition of pig cadavers and succession patterns during decomposition were investigated with high-throughput sequencing. The succession patterns were easier to discern in outdoor cadavers, compared with those that were placed indoors. The metabarcoding approach revealed trends linking particular fungal taxa with specific postmortem intervals (PMIs). Dominant species increased notably in cadavers and soil. Furthermore, the succession of the soil community was driven by the cadaver decomposition. Significant mycoflora differences were observed between environmental and cadaveric soil. The results obtained suggested that postputrefaction mycoflora have considerable potential for PMI estimation, particularly in cases that involve heavily decomposed bodies. In addition, the diversity of fungal communities revealed by the metabarcoding approach allowed us to discriminate the sites of cadaver decomposition, implying that postputrefaction mycoflora may be helpful in identifying the environment in which a cadaver has been placed, or the original location from which a cadaver has been moved. Our results provide an important step towards developing fungal evidence for use in forensic science and add to the growing body of work on postmortem microbial communities.
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Peters FT, Steuer AE. Antemortem and postmortem influences on drug concentrations and metabolite patterns in postmortem specimens. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/wfs2.1297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Frank T. Peters
- Institute of Forensic Medicine Jena University Hospital Jena Germany
| | - Andrea E. Steuer
- Department of Forensic Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich Institute of Forensic Medicine University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
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Szelecz I, Lösch S, Seppey CVW, Lara E, Singer D, Sorge F, Tschui J, Perotti MA, Mitchell EAD. Comparative analysis of bones, mites, soil chemistry, nematodes and soil micro-eukaryotes from a suspected homicide to estimate the post-mortem interval. Sci Rep 2018; 8:25. [PMID: 29311698 PMCID: PMC5758714 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18179-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Criminal investigations of suspected murder cases require estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI, or time after death) which is challenging for long PMIs. Here we present the case of human remains found in a Swiss forest. We have used a multidisciplinary approach involving the analysis of bones and soil samples collected beneath the remains of the head, upper and lower body and "control" samples taken a few meters away. We analysed soil chemical characteristics, mites and nematodes (by microscopy) and micro-eukaryotes (by Illumina high throughput sequencing). The PMI estimate on hair 14C-data via bomb peak radiocarbon dating gave a time range of 1 to 3 years before the discovery of the remains. Cluster analyses for soil chemical constituents, nematodes, mites and micro-eukaryotes revealed two clusters 1) head and upper body and 2) lower body and controls. From mite evidence, we conclude that the body was probably brought to the site after death. However, chemical analyses, nematode community analyses and the analyses of micro-eukaryotes indicate that decomposition took place at least partly on site. This study illustrates the usefulness of combining several lines of evidence for the study of homicide cases to better calibrate PMI inference tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ildikó Szelecz
- Laboratory of Soil Biodiversity, University of Neuchâtel, 2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
| | - Sandra Lösch
- Department of Physical Anthropology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, 3007, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Christophe V W Seppey
- Laboratory of Soil Biodiversity, University of Neuchâtel, 2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Enrique Lara
- Laboratory of Soil Biodiversity, University of Neuchâtel, 2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- Real Jardín Botánico, CSIC, Plaza de Murillo 2, 28014, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Singer
- Laboratory of Soil Biodiversity, University of Neuchâtel, 2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Franziska Sorge
- Laboratory of Soil Biodiversity, University of Neuchâtel, 2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe-University, 60596, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Joelle Tschui
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Imaging, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - M Alejandra Perotti
- Acarology Lab, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Section, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, RG6 6AS, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Edward A D Mitchell
- Laboratory of Soil Biodiversity, University of Neuchâtel, 2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
- Botanical Garden of Neuchâtel, 2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
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Rózsa L, Apari P, Sulyok M, Tappe D, Bodó I, Hardi R, Müller V. The evolutionary logic of sepsis. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2017; 55:135-141. [PMID: 28899789 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The recently proposed Microbiome Mutiny Hypothesis posits that members of the human microbiome obtain information about the host individuals' health status and, when host survival is compromised, switch to an intensive exploitation strategy to maximize residual transmission. In animals and humans, sepsis is an acute systemic reaction to microbes invading the normally sterile body compartments. When induced by formerly mutualistic or neutral microbes, possibly in response to declining host health, sepsis appears to fit the 'microbiome mutiny' scenario except for its apparent failure to enhance transmission of the causative organisms. We propose that the ability of certain species of the microbiome to induce sepsis is not a fortuitous side effect of within-host replication, but rather it might, in some cases, be the result of their adaptive evolution. Whenever host health declines, inducing sepsis can be adaptive for those members of the healthy human microbiome that are capable of colonizing the future cadaver and spread by cadaver-borne transmission. We hypothesize that such microbes might exhibit switches along the 'mutualist - lethal pathogen - decomposer - mutualist again' scenario, implicating a previously unsuspected, surprising level of phenotypic plasticity. This hypothesis predicts that those species of the healthy microbiome that are recurring causative agents of sepsis can participate in the decomposition of cadavers, and can be transmitted as soil-borne or water-borne infections. Furthermore, in individual sepsis cases, the same microbial clones that dominate the systemic infection that precipitates sepsis, should also be present in high concentration during decomposition following death: this prediction is testable by molecular fingerprinting in experimentally induced animal models. Sepsis is a leading cause of human death worldwide. If further research confirms that some cases of sepsis indeed involve the 'mutiny' (facultative phenotypic switching) of normal members of the microbiome, then new strategies could be devised to prevent or treat sepsis by interfering with this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lajos Rózsa
- MTA-ELTE-MTM Ecology Research Group, Budapest, Pázmány P. s. 1/C, H-1117, Hungary; Evolutionary Systems Research Group, MTA Centre for Ecological Research, Tihany, Hungary.
| | - Péter Apari
- Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mihály Sulyok
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Imre Bodó
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Richárd Hardi
- St. Raphael Ophthalmological Center, Ophthalmological Ambulance, Mbuji Mayi, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Viktor Müller
- Evolutionary Systems Research Group, MTA Centre for Ecological Research, Tihany, Hungary; Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Parmenides Center for the Conceptual Foundations of Science, Pullach, Munich, Germany.
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Martínez-Ramírez JA, Strien J, Walther G, Peters FT. Search for fungi-specific metabolites of four model drugs in postmortem blood as potential indicators of postmortem fungal metabolism. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 262:173-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Molecular identification of fungi found on decomposed human bodies in forensic autopsy cases. Int J Legal Med 2014; 129:785-91. [PMID: 25398636 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-014-1118-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/06/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
To investigate which fungi can be found during forensic autopsies, a PubMed literature review was done in regard to fungal growth on decomposed human bodies. Unfortunately, the existing data is limited and not all fungi were identified to the species level. We, therefore, collected skin samples with macroscopically visible fungal growth from 23 autopsy cases in Germany and identified the fungi to the species level by molecular methods. The identified species included Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans, which pose an allergenic risk, especially to persons with underlying lung diseases. Because safety standards are lacking, we recommend the use of respiratory protection during exhumations and forensic autopsies, when fungal growth is noted. With regard to the future, a database was set up which could possibly be used as a forensic tool to determine the time of death.
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Martínez-Ramírez JA, Walther G, Peters FT. Studies on drug metabolism by fungi colonizing decomposing human cadavers. Part II: biotransformation of five model drugs by fungi isolated from post-mortem material. Drug Test Anal 2014; 7:265-79. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.1669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Revised: 04/12/2014] [Accepted: 04/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A. Martínez-Ramírez
- Institute of Forensic Medicine; Jena University Hospital; Fürstengraben 23 D-07743 Jena Germany
- Department of Pharmacy; National University; A.A. 14490 Bogotá D.C. Colombia
| | - Grit Walther
- Institute of Microbiology, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology; University of Jena; Neugasse 25 D-07743 Jena Germany
- Leibniz-Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans-Knöll-Institute; Jena Microbial Resource Collection; Beutenbergstr. 11a 07745 Jena Germany
| | - Frank T. Peters
- Institute of Forensic Medicine; Jena University Hospital; Fürstengraben 23 D-07743 Jena Germany
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