Advances in human microbiome as an emerging tool in forensics

Microbiome refers to the total microbial genes or the sum of all microscopic life forms including bacteria, fungi, archaea, protozoa and viruses, inhabiting the human body. Forensic microbiology is an evolving science based on the identification of individual microbiomes related to a crime scene. The core human microbiome from birth to death has peculiar set of organisms which can aid in identification of time and cause of death. In fact, microbial signatures are unique to individuals and considered as fingerprints. In addition, this emerging science can be useful in determining the location-based information of a person by linking the environment microbiota to the victim and to individuals’ core microbiome. Moreover, Post-Mortem Microbiome PMM including group of bacteria-thanatomicrobiome associated with the host after death are helpful tool for investigation. Furthermore, forensic microbiology can help in the interpretation of infectious diseases cases that result in sudden unexpected death. Microbial forensics can also be used to estimate the Post-Mortem Interval PMI. In addition, the gut microbiome inhabiting the digestive tract play a significant role in behavioral response to addictive drugs as well as anxiety and depression-like behavior. The microbiome and metabolites produced can provide evidence of individual’s alcohol, drug addiction or psychosis suggesting significant gut-brain interactions in drug addiction. Despite the numerous mentioned application of microbiology in forensic science, forensic examiners sometimes ignore these evidences and prefer to deal with other marks found in the crime scene. The objective of the present review was to highlight the significance of forensic microbiology field by discussing several applications of human microbiome which can be considered as an emerging tool during forensic investigation.