ISSN: 0973-7510

E-ISSN: 2581-690X

Review Article | Open Access
M.R. Suvitha1, A.S. Afrin Sona2, Litty Jose3, C.V. Priyatha4 and M.S. Siva Prasad2
1Department of Criminology and Forensic Science, CMS College of Science and Commerce, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India.
2Department of Forensic Science, University of Calicut, Kerala Police Academy, Thrissur, Kerala, India.
3Department of Forensic Science, St. Thomas College (Autonomous), Thrissur, Kerala, India.
4Department of Zoology, St. Thomas College (Autonomous), Thrissur, Kerala, India.
Article Number: 10829 | © The Author(s). 2025
J Pure Appl Microbiol. 2025;19(4):2441-2456. https://doi.org/10.22207/JPAM.19.4.37
Received: 02 August 2025 | Accepted: 29 October 2025 | Published online: 27 November 2025
Issue online: December 2025
Abstract

Forensic Microbiology is noted as an emerging sector in forensic science research, and the demand for its application is increasing. Its use plays a pivotal role in refining the evidence used in criminal investigations; for example, in estimating post-mortem intervals, the cause of death, and characterizing clandestine burials. The use of such advanced strategies in recent years has been made possible through the integration of two sectors, microbiology and forensic science research. In this respect, this article reviews the forensic utility of microbial populations supported by advances in sequencing and bioinformatics in the context of its various applications, such as microbial profiling for identification, estimating the postmortem interval, analyzing the cause of death, characterizing trace evidence, detecting clandestine burials. The limitations and future prospects of Forensic Microbiology are also investigated. The various inferences reviewed in this article can be used to develop specific guidelines for the ongoing development of efficient strategies employed in criminal investigations.

Keywords

Forensic Microbiology, Bacteria, Fungi, DNA, Criminal Investigation

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