Forensic mycology: the use of fungi in criminal investigations

Abstract This is the first overview to be published of the whole field of forensic mycology. It is based on all available information located in the literature, together with 13 examples from recent casework. Background information on fungi is given, and this is followed by an outline of the value,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Forensic science international 2011-03, Vol.206 (1), p.1-11
Main Authors: Hawksworth, David L, Wiltshire, Patricia E.J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agaricales - chemistry
Biological and medical sciences
Biological Warfare
Burial
Cause of Death
Clandestine burial
Criminal investigations
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Deposition time
DNA
Evidence
Forensic medicine
Forensic sciences
Forensic Sciences - methods
Fungi
Fungi - growth & development
Fungi - isolation & purification
Fungi - pathogenicity
General aspects
Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens - administration & dosage
Humans
Information
Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects)
Lichens
Medical sciences
Mushroom Poisoning - diagnosis
Mycology
Palynology
Palynomorph
Pathology
Poisoning
Poisons
Post-mortem interval
Postmortem Changes
Public health. Hygiene
Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine
Soil Microbiology
Spores, Fungal - isolation & purification
Trace evidence
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Summary:Abstract This is the first overview to be published of the whole field of forensic mycology. It is based on all available information located in the literature, together with 13 examples from recent casework. Background information on fungi is given, and this is followed by an outline of the value, and potentially wide application, of mycology in criminal investigation. Applications include roles in: providing trace evidence; estimating time since death ( post-mortem interval); ascertaining time of deposition; investigating cause of death, hallucinations, or poisonings; locating buried corpses; and biological warfare. Previous work has been critically evaluated, with particular attention to its evidential value, and suitability for presentation in a court of law. The situations where mycology might assist an investigation are summarised, and issues relating to the further development of the subject are presented. A comprehensive bibliography with 120 citations is provided.
ISSN:0379-0738
1872-6283
DOI:10.1016/j.forsciint.2010.06.012