Mycobiota associated with human cadavers: first record in Argentina

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 c...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Tranchida, María Cecilia, Bravo Berruezo, Lucas Emiliano, Stenglein, Sebastián, Cabello, Marta Noemí
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2018
País:Argentina
Institución:Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires
Repositorio:CIC Digital (CICBA)
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.cic.gba.gob.ar:11746/8490
Acceso en línea:https://digital.cic.gba.gob.ar/handle/11746/8490
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Ciencias de las Plantas, Botánica
forensic mycology
fungi
cadaver decomposition
forensic Ascomycetes
forensic Eurotiomycetes
Descripción
Sumario: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.