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The Thanatomicrobiome: A Missing Piece of the Microbial Puzzle of Death

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Last modified
  • 02/20/2025
Type of Material
Authors
    Gulnaz T. Javan, Alabama State UniversitySheree J. Finley, Alabama State UniversityZain Abidin, Alabama State UniversityJennifer Mulle, Emory University
Language
  • English
Date
  • 2016-02-24
Publisher
  • Frontiers Media
Publication Version
Copyright Statement
  • © 2016 Javan, Finley, Abidin and Mulle.
License
Final Published Version (URL)
Title of Journal or Parent Work
ISSN
  • 1664-302X
Volume
  • 7
Grant/Funding Information
  • This work was supported by National Science Foundation (NSF) grant HRD 1401075 and Forensic Sciences Foundation Lucas Research Grant.
Abstract
  • Death is a universal phenomenon; however, is there “life after death?” This topic has been investigated for centuries but still there are gray areas that have yet to be elucidated. Forensic microbiologists are developing new applications to investigate the dynamic and coordinated changes in microbial activity that occur when a human host dies. There is currently a paucity of explorations of the thanatomicrobiome (thanatos-, Greek for death) and epinecrotic communities (microbial communities residing in and/or moving on the surface of decomposing remains). Ongoing studies can help clarify the structure and function of these postmortem microbiomes. Human microbiome studies have revealed that 75–90% of cells in the body prior to death are microbial. Upon death, putrefaction occurs and is a complicated process encompassing chemical degradation and autolysis of cells. Decomposition also involves the release of contents of the intestines due to enzymes under the effects of abiotic and biotic factors. These factors likely have predictable effects on postmortem microbial communities and can be leveraged for forensic studies. This mini review provides a critical examination of emerging research relating to thanatomicrobiome and epinecrotic communities, how each is studied, and possible strategies of stochastic processes.
Author Notes
Keywords
Research Categories
  • Biology, General
  • Biology, Microbiology

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