Post mortem changes in tropical environments

3^rd International Conference on Forensic Research and Technology

October 06-08, 2014 Hilton San Antonio Airport, USA

José Vicente Pachar Lucio

ScientificTracks-Abstracts: J Forensic Res

Abstract :

High temperature and humidity contribute to the rapid deterioration of bodies altering their aspect and the morphology of the injuries. The tropical climate also increases the probability of the appearance of artifacts due to external factor (especially animal activity) or internal (body factors). When a decomposed body is found, the post mortem interval is established using, among others, the available criteria of reference in the medico legal literature. Nevertheless, specific studies on post mortem changes and time of death in tropical environments, as those found in the Republic of Panama, are scanty. Most of the available information refers to the variations in moderate climates with seasonal variations. A review of the criteria of beginning and development of the cadaveric phenomena (especially decomposition) recorded by authors of different countries in different climates, with the intention of documenting the disparities of existing criteria and limited application in the establishment of the post mortem interval in tropical environments, is done, proposing lines of research in this topic.

Biography :

José Vicente Pachar Lucio has completed his MPhil degree in Forensic Pathology from University of London, UK and his PhD degree from University of Panama Republic of Panama. He is Professor of Legal Medicine at Latina University and the Sub Director of Medico Legal Institute of Panama. He has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals and serving as an Editorial Board Member of repute.