Unveiling the Impact of Entomological Evidence in Forensic Investigations: A Review

Basma H.  Bedair; Nada Bedair; Ahmed T.  Enad; Saba R.  Jaafar; Ruaa H.  Ali; Shahrazad H.  Muhi; Sahar M.  Ibrahim; Safa S.  Mahdi

doi:10.47419/bjbabs.v6i4.395

Authors

Basma H. Bedair Department of Experimental Therapy, Iraqi Center for Cancer Research and Medical Genetics, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3008-9950
Nada H. Bedair Department of Forensic Biology, Higher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1852-0154
Ahmed T. Enad Ibn Sina University for Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences. https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8515-9819
Saba R. Jaafar Department of Forensic Biology, Higher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5576-6902
Ruaa H. Ali Department of Forensic Biology, Higher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1501-9871
Shahrazad H. Muhi Department of Forensic Biology, Higher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1148-3762
Sahar M. Ibrahim Department of Forensic Biology, Higher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6638-9498
Safa S. Mahdi Department of Forensic Chemistry, Higher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0648-5811

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47419/bjbabs.v6i4.395

Keywords:

Insects, Parasites, Biological Evidence, Entomological Evidence, Forensic, Entomology , pmi

Abstract

Background: Forensic entomology has introduced new methods that are recommended to determine the cause, manner, and time since death, particularly for deteriorated, putrid bodies discovered at unexpected places. This scientific field provides new techniques that are applicable
to molecular studies, such as DNA analysis based on entomological data. Numerous techniques
are used to estimate the minimum postmortem interval, depending on the location and state of
the corpse as well as the circumstances surrounding its discovery.
Objectives: Since forensic pathologists always face the difficult task of excluding misleading
evidence when investigating cases of unnatural deaths or when the corpse has been moved
from the original crime scene, this review aimed to provide a broad overview of the potential
applications and advantages of forensic entomology data in criminal investigations in courts. In
addition to highlighting the factors that can negatively influence the use of these entomological
evidences.
Conclusion: Various factors could affect the entomological data collected from a crime scene but
careful analysis accompanied by thorough observations and evaluations could overcome such
obstacles in an investigation.