View source for Bonacci 2017 Flies and ants: A forensic entomological neglect case of an elderly man in Calabria, Southern Italy

Quelle: ''Romanian Journal for Legal Medicine'' 25: 283-286, 2017, DOI: 10.4323/rjlm.2017.283<br>

=<font color=orange>Flies and ants: A forensic entomological neglect case of an elderly man in Calabria, Southern Italy</font>=


[Weitere [[All Mark Benecke Publications|Artikel von MB]]] [Artikel [http://wiki2.benecke.com/index.php?title=Media#Interviews_.26_Articles <font color=lightgrey>über MB</font>]]<br>

'''VON TERESA BONACCI, VANNIO VERCILLO & MARK BENECKE'''<BR>

<html><a href="http://wiki2.benecke.com/images/3/36/Paper_2_bonacci_benecke_case_dead_neglected_man_rjlm_november_2017_283-286_T._Bonacci.pdf" target="_blank"><img src="http://wiki2.benecke.com/images/9/99/Bonacci_Versillo_Benecke_2017.jpeg" border="0" height="150" align="middle"><figcaption>Click for PDF!</figcaption></a></html> 


'''Abstract: Neglect cases are on the rise. We report a case of an 80-year-old man who was neglected for one to two weeks in the urban area of Acri (Cosenza), Calabria, Italy. Musca domestica, Fannia canicularis and Lucilia sericata were used as indicators for estimation of neglect interval. The possible presence of ants is also discussed due to typical lesions yet in the absence of actual specimens.'''<br>

'''Key Words: neglect of the elderly, forensic entomology, ants, ant lesions, Diptera.'''<br>
<br>
<font color=orange>''In memory of Dan Dermengiu (MB)''</font>
<br><br>
'''<font color=orange>INTRODUCTION</font color=orange>'''<br>

Some insects species are valuable forensic indicators in cases of abuse and neglect. They deposit their eggs in and around clothing and skin and feed at open wounds, ulcers, natural openings, etc. (Zumpt, 1965, Sherman and Hall, 2000). In particular, immature stages of Calliphorids may give information on how long a person was neglected but also Muscids, Sarcophagids and other species may prove cases of
neglect (Baumjohann et al., 2011; Benecke et al., 2001, 2004; Benecke 2010; Bonacci et al., 2014, Lord, 1990). <br>


Here, we present a case of neglect of an 80-yearold incontinent, elderly man with a psychiatric illness in the urban area of Acri (Cosenza), Calabria, Italy.<br>


The colonization with Diptera larvae before his death (myiasis sensu strictu) shed a light on his suffering and was used to prove his neglect before death.<br>


'''<font color=orange>FINDINGS AND RESULTS</font color=orange>'''<br>

[[File:Bonacci sericata 2017.png|thumb|300px|right|Figure 2. Lucilia sericata adult from apartment.]] In the apartment, garbage, feces and urine were scattered around. The only window of the apartment was closed. Cause of death was hypertrophic cardiomyopathyand chronic active hepatitis. The temperature in Acri city nine days before and on the day of the discovery of  the corpse was 23.9 ± 1.35°C (Acari city weather station).<br>


On the corpse, especially near the anal and genital areas, few mature larvae (end of third larval stage) of Musca domestica Linnaeus, 1758 and Fannia scalaris (Fabricius, 1794) were found. Dead adults of M. domestica were collected from the room (all on July 9, 2015). Both species are attracted to body secretions including feces and urine (Smith 1985).<br>


Also, 2nd and 3rd instar larvae of Lucilia sericata 
were found (but no dead Calliphorids). On the floor,
dead adult Musca domestica L. and Fannia scalaris and
many active and empty puparia of both species were
found near the corpse and near the closed window (Fig.
2) of the room where the corpse was found. Some larvae
were put in hot water first, then stored in 90% ethanol;
some specimens were reared to the adult stage.<br>


External examination of the corpse also revealed
multiple irregular, brown injuries (1–4 mm) on the
skin, typical of ant action (Bonacci & Vercillo, 2015).
However, no Formicidae were found on the corpse and
inside of the apartment.<br>


The larvae of L. sericata take 3.5 (25°C) to 4.5 days (22°C) to reach end of L3 (data from Austria: Grassberger
& Reiter, 2001), and 10 (25°C) to 13 (20°C) days to reach
end of postfeeding state (data from Pakistan: El-Kady et
al., 1999), i.e., the colonization interval of the apartment
was at least one, maybe even two weeks.<br>


At 25°C, the duration (in days) of post-feeding
larvae of M. domestica is 3.33± 0.33. The duration of
pupae age is 6.33 ± 0.33 (El-Kady et al., 1999). Total
duration of development from eggs to pupae is 13.30 ±
0.66 days. Musca domestica is known to be a common
synantropic species. Since the larvae were found on the
corpse, and since Fannia canicularis was also present, this
was considered to be a strong indicator for the presence
of feces and urine due to neglect, as has been reported
from other cases of neglect (Benecke, 2010). Fannia
in particular has a strong preference for urine and is
therefore commonly found in toilets, privies, stables and
pigsties (Smith 1986).<br>


'''<font color=orange>DISCUSSION</font color=orange>'''<br>

Insect colonization of the neglected man took
place for around approximately week. His fam-ily had not
taken care of him, as was concluded from the hygienic
conditions including the insect evidence inside of the
house.<br>


Cases of neglect towards elderly people or
children seem to be rising (Doward 2012, dpa 2003,
Sheridan 2017) due to changes in age structure but
recently also largely due to substance abuse. Neglect is
not always easy to prove since social workers and rescue
personnel may not check for stains. For neighbours
and relatives, some cases of neglect are also shocking
and difficult to comprehend which may lead to wrong
statements.<br>


Here (and probably often), Musca domestica
which is attracted to decaying organic matter with
a preference for human feces at neglected and dead
persons, along with Fannia canicularis which is attracted
to urine and feces, allowed estimation of the antemortem
neglect period. In neglect cases, forensic entomology is
suitable to better understand the circumstances of death,
and to prepare objective reports to the court and to the
police. Especially the discovery of F. canicularis larvae on
a body indicates that infestation occurred prior to death
(Benecke and Lessig, 2001).<br>


Some - especially Calliphorid - fly species
are known to be associated also with wounds on living bodies and can therefore be use for maggot therapy
(Fleischmann et al., 2003; Sherman & Hall, 2000). If a
person is not properly cared for and cleaned, blow flies
are attracted to their bodily wastes, depositing their eggs
with a preference for open wounds. In Calabria, L. sericata
is a synanthropic species strongly related to the urban
area and to the warmer months (Greco et al., 2014). It is
therefore also an interesting marker for neglect (Benecke
& Lessig 2001).<br>


In contrast to diptera on corpses, the behaviour
of ants in forensic cases is less in focus but may be soon
due to climate change (Benecke et al. 1999; Benecke 2008;
Bermúdez 2010; Campobasso et al., 2009; Ramón et al.,
2015; Salona-Bordas et al., 2014; Ventura et al., 2010).
In the context of neglect, a major concern relating to ants are postmortem skin lesions that may be
confused with antemortem injuries by unexperienced
personell. Pheidole and Camponotus ants were observed
to produce damage to the nose and ears of pig carcasses
(Barros et al., 2008). In Brazil, ants caused small injuries
at every decompositional stage and at different parts of
rat corpses (Moura et al., 1997).<br>


In the case of the globally expanding and invasive
fire ants (Solenopsis spp.), one must also take care to
distinguish between cause of death due to allergies or
actual poisoning and their possibly unrelated presence.
Until now, ants were used to determine
postmortem interval, mostly by use of colony buildup
(Goff & Win, 1997), or to determine if a perpetrator
had been at a scene of crime (Benecke & Seifert, 1999;
for determination of ants, it is necessary to contact a
specialist since their determination needs experience).
Generally, we highly recommend to document
photographically, and to collect arthropods early at the
scene of neglect to avoid wrong accusations as well as
failing to notice objective proof of neglect.<br>


'''<font color=orange>REFERENCES</font color=orange>'''<br>
1. Barros A, Dutra F, Ferreira R. Insects of forensic importance from Rio Grande do Sul state in southern Brazil. Revista Brasileira de
Entomologia 2008;52:641–646.<br>

2. Baumjohann K, Schiwy-Bochat K, Rothschild M. Maggots reveal a case of antemortal infestation. Internat. J. Legal Med. 2011;125:487-492.<br>

3. Benecke M, Seifert B. Forensische Entomologie am Beispiel eines Tötungsdeliktes. Eine kombinierte Spuren- und Liegezeitanalyse. (Case
Report: Calliphorids and ants on a human corpse in a homicide case.) Archiv für Kriminologie 1999;204:52-60.<br>

4. Benecke M, Lessig R. Child neglect and forensic entomology. Forensic Sci Int. 2001;120:155-159.<br>

5. Benecke M, Josephi E, Zweihoff R. Neglect of the elderly: forensic entomology cases and considerations. Forensic Sci. Internat.
2004;146S:S195-S199.<br>

6. Benecke M. Besiedlung von Leichen durch Gliedertiere (Arthropod colonization of human corpses). In: Brinkmann B, Madea B, Handbuch
gerichtliche Medizin, Chapter 2. 2003, Heidelberg, Berlin, New York, Springer, p. 170-187.<br>

7. Benecke M. A brief survey of the history of forensic entomology. Acta Biologica Benrodis 2008;14:15-38.<br>

8. Benecke M. Cases of neglect involving entomological evidence. In: Byrd J, Castner J (eds.) Forensic Entomology, 2nd ed., Chapter 20, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2010, p. 627-635.<br>

9. Bermúdez S, Pachar J. Artrópodos asociados a cadáveres humanos en Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá. Revista Colombiana de Entomología,
2010;36:86-89.<br>

10. Bonacci T, Vercillo V. Outdoor post-mortem bite injuries by Tapinoma nigerrimum (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) on a human corpse: Case
report. J. Forensic Legal Med. 2015;33:5e8.<br>

11. Campobasso C, Marchetti D, Introna F, Colonna M. Postmortem artifacts made by ants and the effect of ant activity on decompositional
rates. The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, 2009;30: 84–87.<br>

12. Doward J. Child neglect cases reported to NSPCC rise 30% in a year. June 10, 2012, The Guardian (England), https://www.theguardian.
com/society/2012/jun/10/nspcc-child-abuse-rises-sharply<br>

13. DPA (German Press Agency). Studie an 17000 Leichen: Jeder Siebte vor Tod falsch gepflegt (Study on 17.000 corpses: Every seventh elderly person not cared for sufficiently). Jan 3/Jan 5, 2003, German Press Agency dpa, Report # 051402.<br>

14. El-Kady E, Kheirallah A, Kayed A, Dekinesh S, Ahmed Z. The development and growth of the house fly Musca domestica vicina and the
blowfly Lucilia sericata. Pakistan J. of Biol. Sciences 1999;2:498-502.<br>

15. Fleischmann W, Grassberger M, Sherman R. Maggot Therapy. A Handbook of maggot-assisted wound healing. 2003, Stuttgart, Thieme.<br>

16. Goff M, Win B. Estimation of postmortem interval based on colony development time for Anoplolepis longipes (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).
Journal of Forensic Sciences 1997;42:1176–1179.<br>

17. Grassberger M, Reiter C. Effect of temperature on Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) development with special reference to the
isomegalen- and isomorphen-diagram. Forensic Science International 2001;120:32-36.<br>

18. Greco S, Brandmayr P, Bonacci T. Synanthropy and temporal variability of Calliphoridae living in Cosenza (Calabria, Southern Italy). J.Insect Sci. 2014;14(216):1-5; DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieu078.<br>

19. Gregor F, Rozkošný R, Barták M, Vaňhara J (2002) The Muscidae (Diptera) of central Europe. Folia Fac. Sci. Nat. Univ. Masaryk. Brun.
Biol. 2002;107:1–280.<br>

20. Lord W. Case histories of the use of insects in investigations. In: Catts P, Haskell N (eds.) 1990, Entomology & Death. A Procedural Guide, Joyce's Print Shop, Clemson, pp. 9-37.<br>

21. Moura M, Carvalho C, Monteiro-Filho E. A preliminary analysis of insects of medico-legal importance in Curitiba, State of Paraná. Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz 1997;92: 269–274.<br>

22. Ramón G, Donoso D. The role of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Forensic Entomology. Revista Ecuatoriana de Medicina y Ciencias
Biológicas (REMCB) 2015;36:19-26.<br>

23. Salona-Bordas M, Salona-Bordas J, Tinaut A. Ants as Carcasses Consumers a Case Study Undertaken Inside a Greenhouse (Lanzarote,
Canary Islands, Spain). Austin J Forensic Sci Criminol. 2014;1(2):3.<br>

24. Sheridan J. Opioid addiction and the rise in child neglect cases. Jan 30, 2017, wfyi Indianapolis, http://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/opioidaddiction-and-the-rise-in-child-neglect-cases.<br>

25. Sherman R, Hall M. Medicinal maggots: an ancient remedy for some contemporary afflictions. Annu. Rev. Entomol 2000;45:55-81.<br>

26. Smith K. A Manual of Forensic Entomology. 1986, The Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History), London & Cornell University
Press, Ithaca.<br>

27. Ventura F, Gallo M, De Stefano F. Postmortem skin damage due to ants: description of 3 cases. Am. J. Forensic Med. Pathol. 2010;31:120-121.<br>

28. Zumpt F. Myiasis in Man and Animals in the Old World: A Textbook for Physicians, Veterinarians and Zoologists. Butterworth, London,
England, 1965.<br><br>


==<font color=orange>More from Mark Benecke</font>==
<i><br>
* [[2006 Forensic biology in the courtroom|Forensic biology in the courtroom]]<br>

* [[2002 Juridical Aspects of the Trials against Serial Killer Juergen Bartsch|Juridical Aspects of the Trials against Serial Killer Juergen Bartsch]]<br>

* [[2002 How high do flies fly - Forensic Entomology in Suburbia|How high do flies fly - Forensic Entomology in Suburbia]]<br>

* [[2002 Homosexual Pedophile Serial Killer Juergen Bartsch (1946-1976)|Homosexual Pedophile Serial Killer Juergen Bartsch (1946-1976)]]<br>

* [[2002 Entomology - Insect and Corpses|Entomology - Insects and Corpses]]<br>

* [[Neglect of the elderly: forensic entomology cases and considerations]]<br>

* [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11883616_Child_neglect_and_forensic_entomology <font color=lightgrey>Child neglect and forensic entomology</font>]<br>

* [[Benecke Six Forensic Entomology Cases|Six Forensic Entomology Cases]]<br>

* [[2003-09 Kelly Myers: Forensic Entomology|Forensic Entomology (skilled work)]]

* [[Forensic Entomology in the Middle East|Forensic Entomology in the Middle East - Short excerpt of literature]]

* [[2018-09-25 Entomofauna on buried carrions in Calabria, Southern Italy (Speech)|Entomofauna on buried carrions in Calabria, Southern Italy]] (Speech)

* [[2017 06 AAFE Treviso|A Forensic Entomological case of neglect of an elderly man in Calabria, Southern Italy]]<br>

* [[2008 The Open Forensic Science Journal: Detection of Semen (Human and Boar) and Saliva on Fabrics by a Very High Powered UV-/VIS-Light Source|Detection of Semen (Human and Boar) and Saliva on Fabrics by a Very High Powered UV-/VIS-Light Source]]<br>
</i>


{{Addressfooter}}
__NOTOC__
__NOEDITSECTION__