Molecular identification of fungi found on decomposed human bodies in forensic autopsy cases.
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.
Department of Legal Medicine, University of Frankfurt, Kennedyallee 104, 60596, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
Patrick
P
Schwarz
Eric
E
Dannaoui
Axel
A
Gehl
Heike
H
Felske-Zech
Christoph G
CG
Birngruber
Reinhard B
RB
Dettmeyer
Marcel A
MA
Verhoff
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004271:DNA, Fungal / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D049429:Forensic Pathology; D005658:Fungi / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008853:Microscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology*; D013045:Species Specificity
D004271:DNA, Fungal