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Kato H, Kanno S, Fukuta M, Yaguchi T, Aoki Y. Cadavers found outdoor in whom fungal growth was observed on the body surface: Consideration of the role of mycology in forensic medicine. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2023; 65:102301. [PMID: 37540926 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2023.102301] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
In forensic case work, fungal growth is occasionally observed on decomposed cadavers, however, the isolation of these organisms is not always carried out routinely. The usefulness of investigating fungi isolated from corpses in forensic settings, has been reported, such as providing trace evidence, estimating the time since death, and ascertaining the time of deposition. A 32-year-old male missing for 4 months, was found in a car in a forest far from his home and had died from blood loss, having been stabbed with a kitchen knife in the left side of his chest. Whitish or white greenish colonies ranging 5 cm to 8 cm in size were observed over his whole body. Penicillium commune and Cladosporium cladosporioides were isolated from the colonies. A 49-year-old male missing for one month, and was found dead at 500 m elevation in the mountains. An autopsy was conducted, but the cause of death could not be determined. Dark greenish or whitish colonies were found on his face and neck, and Epicoccum nigrum, Mucor sp.. Cladosporium sp., and Pestalotiopsis sp. were isolated. Penicillium sp. and Cladosporium sp. are major indoor fungi, and Epicoccum sp. and Pestalotiopsis sp. are plant pathogens found in outdoor environments. There was no discrepancy between the police statement and findings of the corpse such as place discovered, types of isolated fungi, and estimated time since death. Identifying fungi on cadavers may aid in forensic casework, and further studies are needed to develop for the use of fungi as a forensic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideaki Kato
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate of School Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Sanae Kanno
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate of School Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mamiko Fukuta
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate of School Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takashi Yaguchi
- Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Aoki
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Nagoya City University Graduate of School Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
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2
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Gemmellaro MD, Lorusso NS, Domke R, Kovalska KM, Hashim A, Arevalo Mojica M, O’Connor AJ, Patel U, Pate O, Raise G, Shumskaya M. Assessment of Fungal Succession in Decomposing Swine Carcasses ( Sus scrofa L.) Using DNA Metabarcoding. J Fungi (Basel) 2023; 9:866. [PMID: 37754974 PMCID: PMC10532525 DOI: 10.3390/jof9090866] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The decomposition of animal bodies is a process defined by specific stages, described by the state of the body and participation of certain guilds of invertebrates and microorganisms. While the participation of invertebrates in decomposing is well-studied and actively used in crime scene investigations, information on bacteria and fungi from the scene is rarely collected or used in the identification of important factors such as estimated time of death. Modern molecular techniques such as DNA metabarcoding allow the identification and quantification of the composition of microbial communities. In this study, we used DNA metabarcoding to monitor fungal succession during the decomposition of juvenile pigs in grasslands of New Jersey, USA. Our findings show that decomposition stages differ in a diversity of fungal communities. In particular, we noted increased fungal species richness in the more advanced stages of decomposition (e.g., bloat and decay stages), with unique fungal taxa becoming active with the progression of decay. Overall, our findings improve knowledge of how fungi contribute to forensically relevant decomposition and could help with the assessment of crime scenes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rachel Domke
- Department of Biology, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083, USA
| | | | - Ayesha Hashim
- Department of Biology, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083, USA
| | | | | | - Urvi Patel
- Department of Biology, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083, USA
| | - Olivia Pate
- Department of Biology, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083, USA
| | - Gloria Raise
- Department of Biology, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083, USA
| | - Maria Shumskaya
- Department of Biology, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083, USA
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3
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Kasprzyk I. Forensic botany: who?, how?, where?, when? Sci Justice 2023; 63:258-275. [PMID: 36870705 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Plants are a good source of biological forensic evidence; this is due to their ubiquity, their ability to collect reference material, and their sensitivity to environmental changes. However, in many countries, botanical evidence is recognised as being scientifically. Botanical evidence is not mostly used for perpertration, instead it tends to serve as circumstantial evidence. Plant materials constitute the basis, among others, for linking a suspect or object to a crime scene or a victim, confirming or not confirming an alibi, determining the post-mortem interval, and determining the origin of food/object. Forensic botany entails field work, knowledge of plants, understanding ecosystem processes, and a basis understaning of geoscience. In this study, experiments with mammal cadavers were conducted to determine the occurence of an event. The simplest criterion characterising botanical evidence is its size. Therefore, macroremains include whole plants or their larger fragments (e.g. tree bark, leaves, seeds, prickles, and thorns), whereas microscopic evidence includes palynomorphs (spores and pollen grains), diatoms, and tissues. Botanical methods allow for an analysis to be repeated multiple times and the test material is easy to collect in the field. Forensic botany can be supplemented with molecular analyses, which, although specific and sensitive, still require validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idalia Kasprzyk
- Institute of Biology and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, University of Rzeszów, Al. Rejtana 16c, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland.
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4
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Szleszkowski Ł, Kadej M, Ogórek R, Thannhäuser A, Dobrowolski MA, Jurek T. "Salt mummification" - atypical method of embalming a corpse. Int J Legal Med 2022; 136:1829-1840. [PMID: 35739355 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-022-02855-5] [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: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
It is extremely rare for table salt to be used to preserve a dead body in criminal cases. In the case presented here, after the death of his 85-year-old mother, a son kept her body preserved in table salt for about 2 years to extort social benefits (pension). Before her death, the woman had been hospitalised twice due to chronic diseases. The case has been examined by the multi-disciplinary team. The unusual conditions in which the corpse was stored influenced its good condition (close to mummification), with limited colonisation of the corpse by necrophagous insects and insects involved in soft tissue biolysis (i.e. selected Diptera or Coleoptera). The use of table salt inhibited the growth of most fungi which would normally be present on a corpse stored in ambient conditions, and the corpse's surface was colonised by halophilic fungus (Scopulariopsis brevicaulis).
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Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Szleszkowski
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 4, PL-50-345, Wrocław, 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, PL-51-148, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Rafał Ogórek
- Department of Mycology and Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Wrocław, Przybyszewskiego 63, PL-51-148, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agata Thannhäuser
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 4, PL-50-345, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Michał A Dobrowolski
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, Pasteura 1, PL-02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Jurek
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Mikulicza-Radeckiego 4, PL-50-345, Wrocław, Poland
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5
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Gutiérrez A, Guàrdia L, Nociarová D, Malgosa A, Armentano N. Taphonomy of experimental burials in Taphos-m: The role of fungi. Rev Iberoam Micol 2021; 38:125-131. [PMID: 34099381 DOI: 10.1016/j.riam.2021.02.003] [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: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The fungi present in the decaying remains enable a better understanding of the processes of decomposition after death. There are not many studies about fungi on decaying bodies and it is not known which fungal sampling methods are effective. AIMS The main objective of this study was to find the best method for sampling fungi in carcasses, prove the effectiveness of this method and identify the fungal colonies in animal carcasses from experimental burials. METHODS Samples from 13 carcasses of Sus scrofa domestica, from the experimental project Taphos-m, were taken with different materials: spatula, sterile swabs and RODAC contact plates. RESULTS RODAC contact plates with the RBA culture medium showed higher proliferation of fungal colonies. Thirty genera of fungi were isolated from different substrates (bone, tissue, lime). Most of the fungi genera or groups identified have been described before in the literature, but the substrates they came from were different in some cases. CONCLUSIONS Sampling with RODAC contact plates was found to be the most effective method, as it provides a nutritional culture medium that may allow growth since the moment of sampling. Fungi colonies grew better in RBA culture medium because bacterial growth is inhibited. Most of the observed fungi are related to the environment but some others have been found related to decomposing bodies for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Gutiérrez
- Unitat d'Antropologia Biològica, Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; NAF, S.C., Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Guàrdia
- Unitat de Botànica-Micologia, Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dominika Nociarová
- Unitat d'Antropologia Biològica, Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; NAF, S.C., Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Assumpció Malgosa
- Unitat d'Antropologia Biològica, Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; GREAB - Grup de Recerca en Antropologia Biològica, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Núria Armentano
- Unitat d'Antropologia Biològica, Departament de Biologia Animal, Biologia Vegetal i Ecologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; Antropòlegs.LAB, Barcelona, Spain
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6
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Tranchida MC, Pelizza SA, Elíades LA. The use of fungi in forensic science, a brief overview. CANADIAN SOCIETY OF FORENSIC SCIENCE JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/00085030.2020.1869390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. C. Tranchida
- Instituto de Botánica Spegazzini. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo (FCNyM), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET-CCt-La Plata), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - S. A. Pelizza
- Instituto de Botánica Spegazzini. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo (FCNyM), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET-CCt-La Plata), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - L. A. Elíades
- Instituto de Botánica Spegazzini. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo (FCNyM), Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET-CCt-La Plata), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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7
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Tarka P, Borowska-Solonynko A, Brzozowska M, Nitsch-Osuch A, Kanecki K, Kuthan R, Garczewska B. No-Touch Automated Room Disinfection after Autopsies of Exhumed Corpses. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9080648. [PMID: 32806609 PMCID: PMC7460184 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9080648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autopsies of exhumed bodies pose a risk of infections with environmental bacteria or fungi, which may be life-threatening. Thus, it is important to use effective methods of disinfection in forensic pathology facilities. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of no-touch automated disinfection (NTD) system after autopsies of exhumed bodies. Directly after 11 autopsies of exhumed bodies, we used an NTD system based on a peroxone vapor to disinfect the air and surfaces. We measured microbial burden in the air and on surfaces before and after NTD. The NTD system reduced the mean bacterial burden in the air from 171 colony forming units (CFU)/m3 to 3CFU/m3. The mean fungal burden in the air decreased from 221 CFU/m3 to 9CFU/m3. The mean all-surface microbial burden was 79 CFU/100 cm2 after all autopsies, and it decreased to 2 CFU/100 cm2 after NTD. In conclusion, the peroxone-based NTD system was effective for decontamination of the air and surfaces in a dissecting room after autopsies of exhumed bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patryk Tarka
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health; Medical University of Warsaw, 3 Oczki St., 02-007 Warsaw, Poland; (A.N.-O.); (K.K.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Aleksandra Borowska-Solonynko
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 1 Oczki st., 02-007 Warsaw, Poland; (A.B.-S.); (M.B.)
| | - Małgorzata Brzozowska
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 1 Oczki st., 02-007 Warsaw, Poland; (A.B.-S.); (M.B.)
| | - Aneta Nitsch-Osuch
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health; Medical University of Warsaw, 3 Oczki St., 02-007 Warsaw, Poland; (A.N.-O.); (K.K.)
| | - Krzysztof Kanecki
- Department of Social Medicine and Public Health; Medical University of Warsaw, 3 Oczki St., 02-007 Warsaw, Poland; (A.N.-O.); (K.K.)
| | - Robert Kuthan
- Chair and Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Warsaw, 5 Chalubinski st., 02-004 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Barbara Garczewska
- Laboratory of Mycology, Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, 26 Płocka st., 01-138 Warsaw, Poland;
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8
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Examining growth rates of Scopulariopsis brevicaulis on decomposing porcine remains. CANADIAN SOCIETY OF FORENSIC SCIENCE JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00085030.2020.1803030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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9
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Aerobic microbe community and necrophagous insects associated with decomposition of pig carrion poisoned with lead. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2020; 42:101638. [DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2019.101638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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10
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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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11
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Tranchida MC, Berruezo LEB, Stenglein SA, Cabello MN. Mycobiota associated with human cadavers: First record in Argentina. CANADIAN SOCIETY OF FORENSIC SCIENCE JOURNAL 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/00085030.2018.1463131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- María Cecilia Tranchida
- Instituto de Botánica C. Spegazzini, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET-CCT La Plata). 53 # 477, Cp 1900, La Plata Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Sebastián Alberto Stenglein
- Laboratorio de Biología Funcional y Biotecnología (BIOLAB)-CICBA-INBIOTEC-CONICET. Cátedra de Microbiología. Facultad de Agronomía-UNCPBA. Av. República de Italia # 780, Cp 7300, Azul, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marta Noemí Cabello
- Instituto de Botánica C. Spegazzini, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CIC). 53 # 477, Cp 1900, La Plata Buenos Aires, Argentina
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12
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Iqbal MA, Ueland M, Forbes SL. Recent advances in the estimation of post-mortem interval in forensic taphonomy. AUST J FORENSIC SCI 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2018.1459840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Asif Iqbal
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, Australia
| | - Maiken Ueland
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, Australia
| | - Shari L. Forbes
- Centre for Forensic Science, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, Australia
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13
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Pascual J, von Hoermann C, Rottler-Hoermann AM, Nevo O, Geppert A, Sikorski J, Huber KJ, Steiger S, Ayasse M, Overmann J. Function of bacterial community dynamics in the formation of cadaveric semiochemicals during in situ carcass decomposition. Environ Microbiol 2017. [PMID: 28631411 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.13828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The decomposition of dead mammalian tissue involves a complex temporal succession of epinecrotic bacteria. Microbial activity may release different cadaveric volatile organic compounds which in turn attract other key players of carcass decomposition such as scavenger insects. To elucidate the dynamics and potential functions of epinecrotic bacteria on carcasses, we monitored bacterial communities developing on still-born piglets incubated in different forest ecosystems by combining high-throughput Illumina 16S rRNA sequencing with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of volatiles. Our results show that the community structure of epinecrotic bacteria and the types of cadaveric volatile compounds released over the time course of decomposition are driven by deterministic rather than stochastic processes. Individual cadaveric volatile organic compounds were correlated with specific taxa during the first stages of decomposition which are dominated by bacteria. Through best-fitting multiple linear regression models, the synthesis of acetic acid, indole and phenol could be linked to the activity of Enterobacteriaceae, Tissierellaceae and Xanthomonadaceae, respectively. These conclusions are also commensurate with the metabolism described for the dominant taxa identified for these families. The predictable nature of in situ synthesis of cadaveric volatile organic compounds by epinecrotic bacteria provides a new basis for future chemical ecology and forensic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Pascual
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Diversity Research, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Christian von Hoermann
- Department of Biology, Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ann-Marie Rottler-Hoermann
- Department of Biology, Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Omer Nevo
- Department of Biology, Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Alicia Geppert
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Diversity Research, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Johannes Sikorski
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Diversity Research, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Katharina J Huber
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Diversity Research, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sandra Steiger
- Department of Biology, Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Manfred Ayasse
- Department of Biology, Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jörg Overmann
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Diversity Research, Leibniz-Institute DSMZ-Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen und Zellkulturen, Braunschweig, Germany.,Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
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14
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15
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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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16
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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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17
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Tranchida MC, Centeno ND, Cabello MN. Soil Fungi: Their Potential use as a Forensic Tool. J Forensic Sci 2014; 59:785-9. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Revised: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- María C. Tranchida
- Instituto de Botánica Carlos Spegazzini; Universidad Nacional de La Plata; 53# 477 Cp 1900 La Plata Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Néstor D. Centeno
- Universidad Nacional de Quilmes; Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología; Laboratorio de Entomología Aplicada y Forense; Sáenz Peña 352 Cp 1876 Bernal Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Marta N. Cabello
- Instituto de Botánica Carlos Spegazzini; Universidad Nacional de La Plata; 53# 477 Cp 1900 La Plata Buenos Aires Argentina
- Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (CICPBA); 526 10 y 11 Cp 1900 La Plata Buenos Aires Argentina
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Studies on drug metabolism by fungi colonizing decomposing human cadavers. Part I: DNA sequence-based identification of fungi isolated from postmortem material. Anal Bioanal Chem 2013; 405:8443-50. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-013-7250-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2013] [Revised: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 07/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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19
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Pechal JL, Crippen TL, Benbow ME, Tarone AM, Dowd S, Tomberlin JK. The potential use of bacterial community succession in forensics as described by high throughput metagenomic sequencing. Int J Legal Med 2013; 128:193-205. [PMID: 23749255 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-013-0872-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Decomposition studies of vertebrate remains primarily focus on data that can be seen with the naked eye, such as arthropod or vertebrate scavenger activity, with little regard for what might be occurring with the microorganism community. Here, we discuss the necrobiome, or community of organisms associated with the decomposition of remains, specifically, the "epinecrotic" bacterial community succession throughout decomposition of vertebrate carrion. Pyrosequencing was used to (1) detect and identify bacterial community abundance patterns that described discrete time points of the decomposition process and (2) identify bacterial taxa important for estimating physiological time, a time-temperature metric that is often commensurate with minimum post-mortem interval estimates, via thermal summation models. There were significant bacterial community structure differences in taxon richness and relative abundance patterns through the decomposition process at both phylum and family taxonomic classification levels. We found a significant negative linear relationship for overall phylum and family taxon richness as decomposition progressed. Additionally, we developed a statistical model using high throughput sequencing data of epinecrotic bacterial communities on vertebrate remains that explained 94.4 % of the time since placement of remains in the field, which was within 2-3 h of death. These bacteria taxa are potentially useful for estimating the minimum post-mortem interval. Lastly, we provide a new framework and standard operating procedure of how this novel approach of using high throughput metagenomic sequencing has remarkable potential as a new forensic tool. Documenting and identifying differences in bacterial communities is key to advancing knowledge of the carrion necrobiome and its applicability in forensic science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Pechal
- Department of Entomology, 2475 TAMU, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA,
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20
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Stokes KL, Forbes SL, Tibbett M. Human Versus Animal: Contrasting Decomposition Dynamics of Mammalian Analogues in Experimental Taphonomy. J Forensic Sci 2013; 58:583-91. [DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2011] [Revised: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 04/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Shari L. Forbes
- Centre for Forensic Science; University of Technology; Sydney
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21
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Studies on the metabolism of five model drugs by fungi colonizing cadavers using LC-ESI-MS/MS and GC-MS analysis. Anal Bioanal Chem 2012; 404:1339-59. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-012-6212-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Revised: 06/18/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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22
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Genetic analysis of Anisakis typica (Nematoda: Anisakidae) from cetaceans of the northeast coast of Brazil: New data on its definitive hosts. Vet Parasitol 2011; 178:293-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2010] [Revised: 12/22/2010] [Accepted: 01/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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23
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Hawksworth DL, Wiltshire PEJ. Forensic mycology: the use of fungi in criminal investigations. Forensic Sci Int 2010; 206:1-11. [PMID: 20634009 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2010] [Revised: 06/07/2010] [Accepted: 06/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This is the first overview to be published of the whole field of forensic mycology. It is based on all available information located in the literature, together with 13 examples from recent casework. Background information on fungi is given, and this is followed by an outline of the value, and potentially wide application, of mycology in criminal investigation. Applications include roles in: providing trace evidence; estimating time since death (post-mortem interval); ascertaining time of deposition; investigating cause of death, hallucinations, or poisonings; locating buried corpses; and biological warfare. Previous work has been critically evaluated, with particular attention to its evidential value, and suitability for presentation in a court of law. The situations where mycology might assist an investigation are summarised, and issues relating to the further development of the subject are presented. A comprehensive bibliography with 120 citations is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- David L Hawksworth
- Departamento de Biología Vegetal II, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Plaza Ramón y Cajal, Madrid 28040, Spain.
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24
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Sidrim JJC, Moreira Filho RE, Cordeiro RA, Rocha MFG, Caetano EP, Monteiro AJ, Brilhante RSN. Fungal microbiota dynamics as a postmortem investigation tool: focus on Aspergillus, Penicillium and Candida species. J Appl Microbiol 2009; 108:1751-6. [PMID: 19863685 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2009.04573.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the presence of fungi during three human decomposition stages: bloated, putrefaction and skeletonization. METHODS AND RESULTS The samples were gathered in the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, from the public morgue and cemeteries. The material was submitted to conventional mycological procedures by direct examination and macro/micro morphological and biochemical analyses. The main fungi isolated were Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. and Candida spp. in the bloated stage (n = 34 cadavers) and in the putrefaction stage (n = 6 cadavers), while in the skeletonization stage (n = 20 cadavers), the main fungi were Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. and Mucor sp. CONCLUSIONS Aspergillus, Penicillium and Candida species were associated with decomposed human cadavers. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY These findings enable tracing out the profile of fungal communities of human cadavers for the first time. However, much more research will be necessary to develop this new segment of mycology and to enable its routine use in forensic science.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J C Sidrim
- Specialized Medical Mycology Center, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil
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25
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Rao PPJ, Kumar GP, Trilok K, Dhananjaya S. Reply to the letter "Cadaveric fungi: not yet an established forensic tool - authors response". J Forensic Leg Med 2009; 16:433. [PMID: 19733341 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2009.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2009] [Accepted: 04/09/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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26
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Menezes RG, Kanchan T, Bhat NB, Lobo SW, Jain A, Rao NG. Cadaveric fungi: Not yet an established forensic tool – Authors’ response. J Forensic Leg Med 2009; 16:363. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2009.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2009] [Accepted: 01/13/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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27
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Huculak MA, Rogers TL. Reconstructing the sequence of events surrounding body disposition based on color staining of bone*. J Forensic Sci 2009; 54:979-84. [PMID: 19549030 DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01086.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Literature regarding bone color is limited to determining location of primary and secondary dispositions. This research is the first to use bone color to interpret the sequence of events surrounding body disposition. Two scenarios were compared-bones buried and then exposed on the ground surface and bones exposed then buried. Forty juvenile pig humeri with minimal tissue were used in each scenario with an additional 20 controls to determine if decomposing tissue affects bone color. Munsell Color Charts were used to record bone color of surface and 2.5 cm cross-sections. Results reveal five main surface colors attributed to soil, sun, hemolysis, decomposition, and fungi. Fungi on buried bones suggests prior surface exposure. Cross-sections of strictly buried bones are identical to buried then exposed bone, stressing the importance of bone surface analysis. Cross-sectioning may help verify remains have been exposed then buried. Decomposition of excess tissue creates minimal color staining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan A Huculak
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
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28
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A response to "Cadaveric fungi: Not yet an established forensic tool" [J Forensic Leg Med 2008;15:124-5]. J Forensic Leg Med 2008; 15:538. [PMID: 18926511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2008.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2008] [Accepted: 03/06/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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29
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Menezes RG, Kanchan T, Lobo SW, Jain A, Bhat NB, Rao NG. Cadaveric fungi: Not yet an established forensic tool. J Forensic Leg Med 2008; 15:124-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2007.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2007] [Accepted: 02/05/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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30
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Ishii K, Hitosugi M, Yaguchi T, Tokudome S. The importance of forensic mycology. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2007; 9:287. [PMID: 17562379 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2007.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2007] [Revised: 04/10/2007] [Accepted: 04/11/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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