Micologia forense na estimativa do intervalo post-mortem: revisão narrativa da sucessão fúngica na decomposição cadavérica

Abstract

Forensic mycology serves as a strategic auxiliary science focused on the study of fungi that colonize organic matter following specific successional patterns, thereby contributing to the estimation of the post-mortem interval (PMI)—a cornerstone of criminal investigation. This study aimed to analyze fungal succession in the context of PMI estimation and to discuss the reliability of these biological indicators in criminal investigations. The methodology consisted of a narrative, descriptive, and qualitative review utilizing articles from the PubMed, BVS, and SciELO databases. Ten articles published between 2006 and 2024 were selected based on pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria. The findings indicate that fungal succession acts as a promising biological marker for PMI estimation, particularly during advanced stages of decomposition where traditional methods face limitations. Studies have identified specific fungi associated with different decomposition phases, although environmental variables—such as temperature, seasonality, humidity, and soil chemical composition—can influence this dynamic. Furthermore, molecular techniques, such as DNA metabarcoding, have enhanced the precision of taxonomic identification. In conclusion, while forensic mycology makes a significant contribution to PMI estimation, fungi should be employed as a complementary tool within forensic science, and further research is needed to strengthen their applicability in forensic practice.