Molecular identification of fungi associated with advanced decomposition at a human taphonomy facility in Canada

Richard Beaulieu, S., Ribéreau-Gayon, A., Devèze, T., Forbes, S. L. et Germain, H. (2025). Molecular identification of fungi associated with advanced decomposition at a human taphonomy facility in Canada. Forensic Science International, 370 . Article 112451. ISSN 0379-0738 1872-6283 DOI 10.1016/j.forsciint.2025.112451

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Résumé

Abstract
Forensic taphonomy investigates the postmortem processes of human remains, focusing on the environmental factors that influence decomposition. Recent studies have highlighted the potential forensic relevance of fungi in this context, but the knowledge base remains limited. This study explored fungal communities associated with outdoor human decomposition at the REST[ES] facility in Quebec. Nested PCR amplification and Illumina MiSeq sequencing were used to identify fungal species on discolored patches of twelve samples of desiccated soft tissues from three donors. Twelve fungal species were putatively identified, some of which were previously unknown on human remains, including Leucosporidium yakuticum, Tausania pullulans, and Fusicolla species. These fungi may contribute to tissue discoloration and following longitudinal investigation, could serve as biomarkers for forensic reconstructions, including place and time of death. This study emphasizes the need for further research into the role of fungi in human decomposition processes and their applications in forensic science.

Type de document:	Article
Mots-clés libres:	Forensic taphonomy Forensic mycology Fungal communities Necrobiome DNA barcoding Nested PCR Illumina MiSeq
Date de dépôt:	28 juill. 2025 15:23
Dernière modification:	28 juill. 2025 15:23
Version du document déposé:	Version officielle de l'éditeur
URI:	https://depot-e.uqtr.ca/id/eprint/12169

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