Integrative microbial-zoological assessment of the postmortem period in forensic medical examination

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THE AIM OF THE STUDY

Is a complex microbial-zoological characterization of the post-mortal period and ways of its determination during forensic examination. The heterotrophic component of the microflora of the corpse and its bed were studied using standard methods of microbiological research and PCR analysis, necrophilic insects — entomological method, and damages from some vertebrate animals — traditional methods of their analysis. We studied 125 corpses of humans, pigs, chickens, mice and some other representatives of mammal class weighing from 100 g to 100 kg at different times of decomposition. We isolated and studied more than 1000 isolates of microorganisms, more than 32 000 insects and more than 100 damages caused by rodents, dogs, cats and birds. We determined the main trends in microbial decomposition of dead bodies. The general characteristics of the corpse decomposition by insects are given and anatomical-topographical and morphological features of the corpse damage by some vertebrates are established. Significant The heterotrophic component of the microflora of the corpse and its bed were studied using standard methods of microbiological research and PCR analysis, necrophilic insects — entomological method, and damages from some vertebrate animals — traditional methods of their analysis. We studied 125 corpses of humans, pigs, chickens, mice and some other representatives of mammal class weighing from 100 g to 100 kg at different times of decomposition. We isolated and studied more than 1000 isolates of microorganisms, more than 32 000 insects and more than 100 damages caused by rodents, dogs, cats and birds. We determined the main trends in microbial decomposition of dead bodies. The general characteristics of the corpse decomposition by insects are given and anatomical-topographical and morphological features of the corpse damage by some vertebrates are established. Significant microbial and zoological characteristics of the post-mortem period have been identified, and ways of its establishment have been determined and confirmed by practical testing during forensic examination. A set of practical recommendations has been developed for forensic experts on the collection of necrophilous insects during the examination of the corpse at the scene and the tactics of the examination with the involvement of entomologists. The results obtained prove that there is a close correlation between the impact of vertebrate scavengers, necrophilic insects and the enzymatic activity of a specific community of heterotrophic microorganisms on the corpse.

Keywords:

forensic examination

decomposition

postmortem interval

microorganisms

necrophilic insects

vertebrate scavengers

prescription of death

Authors:

Lavrukova O.S.

Petrozavodsk State University

ORCID: 0000-0003-0620-9406

Popov V.L.

Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University

ORCID: 0000-0001-7058-9541

Bakhriyev I.I.

Tashkent State Medical Academy

Sidorova N.A.

Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University

ORCID: 0000-0002-8142-8417

Received:

22.03.2020

Accepted:

14.05.2020

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