COMPLEX MICROBIAL-ZOOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POSTMORTEM PERIOD DURING THE PRODUCTION OF FORENSIC MEDICAL EXAMINATION

Abstract

Aim. To provide a complex microbial-zoological characteristics of the postmortem period. Materials and methods: Microbiological studies: material for examination was isolated from three species of animals, including domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) weighing 50-100 kg, domestic chickens (burnt and unburnt) (Gallus gallus) weighing 1.5–2 kg and house mice (Mus musculus) weighing 80 g. In addition, human corpses, bone remains and over 1000 microorganism isolates were investigated. Entomological studies: material for examination was isolated from human corpses and their bone remains (17), pigs (10), chickens (32), representatives of the mammalian class (20), 79 objects in total. 32394 insects were investigated. Studies of injuries caused by certain vertebrates: 34 human corpses and their bone remains were examined. Results. Main trends in the microbial decomposition of dead bodies have been determined, which are of great practical significance for the diagnosis of the remoteness of death during the course of forensic medical examination. General characteristics of the process of corpse decomposition by necrophilous insects are given. The effect of the thermal factor (high temperature) on the microbiological and entomological features of corpse decomposition has been established. Anatomical, topographical and morphological features of injuries caused by some vertebrates have been determined. Conclusion. Our results prove the existence of a close relationship between the objects of forensic medical examination and the microbial processes that occur during the decomposition of corpses and under the action of insects and scavengers.

Keywords

• forensic medical examination
• corpse microflora
• necrophilous insects
• vertebrate scavengers