Mycobiota associated with human cadavers: First record in Argentina. Issue 2 (3rd April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tranchida, María Cecilia; Berruezo, Lucas Emiliano Bravo; Stenglein, Sebastián Alberto; Cabello, Marta Noemí
• Is Part Of: Journal. Volume 51:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 39
• Page End: 47
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03
• Subjects: Forensic mycology -- fungi -- cadaver decomposition -- forensic Ascomycetes -- forensic Eurotiomycetes; mycologie médico-légale -- champignons -- décomposition de cadavre -- Ascomycètes médico-légals -- Eurotiomycètes médico-légals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; Criminal investigation -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 363.2506071
• DOI: 10.1080/00085030.2018.1463131
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-5030

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Cadavers are an abundant source of organic matter. During their decomposition, a variety of organisms – insects, bacteria, and fungi – can feed on them. Within the ambit of forensic science, fungi have thus far received little attention. Nevertheless, the current study found that forensic mycology can be developed as a tool that provides useful evidence for case resolution. The fungal biota found growing on the surface of two cadavers with different post-mortem intervals (PMI) was examined and identified. The fungal samples were cultured and identified by morphology and molecular genetics. Fungal species such as Arthrinium arundinis, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus, Candida guillermondii, Candida lypolitica, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Chrysosporium merdarium, and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis were registered. These findings are the first contributions to forensic mycology from Argentine research. In combination with the joint investigations of forensic researchers worldwide, these results should contribute in the discussion of the use of mycology as a valid forensic tool in which fungi can provide evidence in complex cases.