Emergency Medicine Challenges in Medico legal Investigations: Microbiome Analysis in Postmortem Diagnostics

Abstract

 Introduction: In criminal investigations, postmortem microbiology plays a crucial role because it helps in determining the cause and manner of death by revealing information about the microbial ora obtained from dead persons. With a focus on the methodology used, signicant discoveries, and their consequences for forensic pathology, this systematic review attempts to thoroughly examine the body of research on postmortem microbiology in autopsy cases. Aim: This review assesses the current understanding of postmortem microbiology in autopsies, emphasizing microbial diversity, diagnostic reliability, and investigative signicance. Methodology: A comprehensive search strategy will identify relevant studies published in peer-reviewed journals. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science will be systematically queried, using predened search terms and inclusion criteria. Studies selected for inclusion will undergo a thorough quality assessment, and data extraction will be performed to summarize key aspects of study design, sample collection, microbial identication methods, and major ndings. Result: The systematic review examined postmortem microbiology in autopsy cases, revealing diverse microbial communities with varied species across studies. Notable patterns emerged, highlighting the interplay of environmental factors and postmortem changes. Methodological differences existed in culture-based and molecular techniques, emphasizing regional disparities and postmortem interval effects. Valuable insights for forensic investigations were gained. Conclusion: In conclusion, this systematic review offers a thorough insight into postmortem microbiology in autopsy cases. It highlights dynamic microbial patterns, diagnostic technique reliability, and regional variations. While molecular advancements hold promise, standardization is crucial for optimal forensic application, enriching our understanding of postmortem investigations.