Journal Published Online: 01 May 1989
Volume 34, Issue 3

Detection of Organophosphate Poisoning in a Putrefying Body by Analyzing Arthropod Larvae

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Deaths as a result of organophosphate poisoning are usually detected by analysis of body fluids and tissues for the presence of the toxic agent. These procedures present particular difficulties when performed on remains in an advanced stage of decomposition. Malathion poisoning was suspected in a case in which the remains were in an advanced stage of decomposition and the presence of malathion was confirmed by analyses of gastric content and body fat. Two species of fly larvae, Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius) and Chrysomya rufifacies (Macquart), were present on the remains. A sample of these larvae was analyzed for malathion content. A total of 574 μg of malathion was detected in 0.26 g of pooled larvae, or a level corresponding to 2050 μg/g of larvae. Presence of organophosphates in arthropod larvae has not been documented previously and the analysis of larvae from decomposing remains may prove a useful technique for detection of these toxicants in decomposing remains.

Author Information

Gunatilake, K
City and County of Honolulu, Honolulu, HI
Lee Goff, L
University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI
Pages: 3
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS12698J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12698J