Opportunistic post mortem scavenging by the terrestrial flatworm Platydemus manokwari

Area of Science:

• Forensic Entomology
• Zoology
• Tropical Ecology

Background:

• Post-mortem damage to cadavers is influenced by environmental factors and scavengers.
• Commonly observed post-mortem predators include fly larvae, ants, and beetles.
• The role of other terrestrial invertebrates in post-mortem decomposition is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the novel opportunistic post-mortem damage caused by the terrestrial flatworm Platydemus manokwari.
• To document the specific type of epidermal damage inflicted by this flatworm species.
• To investigate the potential for flatworms as post-mortem scavengers.

Main Methods:

• Case study of a human cadaver in a tropical urban environment.
• Macroscopic examination of flatworm attachment sites and associated skin damage.
• Microscopic analysis of epidermal tissue, including Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining.
• DNA profiling of collected flatworm specimens to determine human DNA presence.

Main Results:

• Multiple Platydemus manokwari (New Guinea Flatworm) specimens were found attached to areas of skin loss on the cadaver.
• Microscopy revealed epidermal damage lacking vital reaction, with PAS-positive granules indicative of flatworm secretions.
• Genetic analysis of two flatworms did not yield a human DNA profile.

Conclusions:

• This case represents the first documented instance of Platydemus manokwari causing opportunistic post-mortem damage to human skin.
• The findings suggest that terrestrial flatworms can be opportunistic scavengers in decomposition processes.
• This expands the known spectrum of invertebrate fauna involved in post-mortem events, particularly in tropical regions.