The importance of forensic mycology

Forensic mycology: the use of fungi in criminal investigations

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.

Fungal microbiota dynamics as a postmortem investigation tool: focus on Aspergillus, Penicillium and Candida species

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.