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Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Post-Mortem Interval and Microbiome Analysis through 16S rRNA Analysis: A Systematic Review
Pamela Tozzo1, Irene Amico1, Arianna Delicati1
1Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy.
Abstract:
The determination of the Post-Mortem Interval (PMI) is an issue that has always represented a challenge in the field of forensic science. Different innovative approaches, compared to the more traditional ones, have been tried over the years, without succeeding in being validated as successful methods for PMI estimation. In the last two decades, innovations in sequencing technologies have made it possible to generate large volumes of data, allowing all members of a bacterial community to be sequenced. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a review regarding new advances in PMI estimation through cadaveric microbiota identification using 16S rRNA sequencing, in order to correlate specific microbiome profiles obtained from different body sites to PMI. The systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. For this purpose, 800 studies were identified through database searching (Pubmed). Articles that dealt with PMI estimation in correlation with microbiome composition and contained data about species, body site of sampling, monitoring time and sequencing method were selected and ultimately a total of 25 studies were considered. The selected studies evaluated the contribution of the various body sites to determine PMI, based on microbiome sequencing, in human and animal models. The results of this systematic review highlighted that studies conducted on both animals and humans yielded results that were promising. In order to fully exploit the potential of the microbiome in the estimation of PMI, it would be desirable to identify standardized body sampling sites and specific sampling methods in order to align data obtained by different research groups.
Insights
Estimating the time of death (Post-Mortem Interval or PMI) is challenging. This review explores using cadaveric microbiome analysis via 16S rRNA sequencing to improve PMI estimation accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Microbiology
- Genomics
Background:
- Accurate Post-Mortem Interval (PMI) estimation remains a significant challenge in forensic science.
- Traditional methods for PMI determination have limitations and lack consistent validation.
- Advances in sequencing technologies enable comprehensive analysis of microbial communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in estimating PMI using cadaveric microbiota identification.
- To correlate microbiome profiles from different body sites with PMI using 16S rRNA sequencing.
- To assess the potential of microbiome analysis for improving PMI estimation.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted.
- Database searching (PubMed) identified 800 relevant studies.
- Twenty-five studies focusing on microbiome composition, body site, and sequencing methods for PMI estimation were selected and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Studies on both human and animal models show promising results for microbiome-based PMI estimation.
- Different body sites exhibit varying potential for PMI determination based on microbiome sequencing.
- 16S rRNA sequencing provides valuable data for analyzing microbial communities in PMI studies.
Conclusions:
- Cadaveric microbiome analysis holds significant potential for enhancing PMI estimation accuracy.
- Standardization of body sampling sites and methods is crucial for reliable and comparable results across studies.
- Further research is needed to fully exploit the microbiome's utility in forensic science.
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