Modeling postmortem ethanol production by C. albicans: Experimental study and multivariate evaluation

Area of Science:

• Forensic Toxicology
• Microbiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Microbial postmortem ethanol production can complicate forensic alcohol analysis.
• Previous research modeled bacterial ethanol production; this study extends this to fungal species.
• Candida albicans is a common yeast with potential to produce ethanol postmortem.

Purpose of the Study:

• To model ethanol, higher alcohols, and 1-butanol production by Candida albicans.
• To investigate the influence of culture media, oxygen availability, and temperature on production.
• To develop predictive mathematical models for microbial ethanol in forensic contexts.

Main Methods:

• Cultured Candida albicans in Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) and Sabouraud Dextrose Broth (SDB) media.
• Varied conditions: aerobic/anaerobic, temperatures (4°C, 25°C, 37°C).
• Developed mathematical models at 25°C and tested applicability in various blood matrices and autopsy samples.

Main Results:

• Methyl-butanol was identified as the most significant indicator of fungal ethanol production.
• Isobutanol and 1-propanol were also significant qualitative and quantitative indicators.
• Models showed applicability in cases with elevated glucose levels and activated yeasts in blood.

Conclusions:

• In vitro ethanol production by Candida albicans is influenced by temperature, time, glucose, pH, and medium composition.
• Methyl-butanol, isobutanol, and 1-propanol are valuable biomarkers for identifying fungal ethanol production.
• The developed models can aid in interpreting postmortem ethanol findings in forensic investigations.