Microbiology and postmortem interval: a systematic review

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Moitas, B (Author) Other; Caldas IM (Author) FMDUP; Benedita Sampaio-Maia (Author) FMDUP

Journal

Title: Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology

ISSN: 1547-769X

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Z-93Z

DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00733-z

Abstract (EN): This systematic review aims to learn if and how it is possible to use the human microbiome to indicate the time elapsed after death. Articles were searched on the PubMed database using predefined data fields and keywords; reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses were excluded. The final selection included 14 papers (out of 144). The results indicated that the microorganisms present in the cadaveric island succeed predictably over time, with markers between the stages of decomposition constituting a potential innovative tool for postmortem interval (PMI) estimation. The human microbiome has the potential to be used for PMI estimation and may present advantages as microbes are present in all seasons, in all habitats, including the most extreme ones, and because microbial communities respond predictably to environmental changes.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 20