Preliminary insight into mycobiome of a cadaver exhumed over 7 months postmortem

In this study, we characterized the culturable fungal community of a corpse exhumed more than 7 months postburial in a temperate climate, as well as that of the associated grave soil. The deceased was a 53-year-old male whose exhumation revealed extensive fungal colonization on clothing, skin, body cavities, and internal organs. Postmortem examination determined the cause of death to be a ruptured, extensive dissecting aortic aneurysm leading to pericardial tamponade. Samples were cultivated on six different culture media and three incubation temperatures. Fungal identification was performed using classical techniques and genotypic methods. A total of 16 fungal species were isolated from the cadaver, with the most (12 species) obtained at 37°C. In contrast, 43 species were identified in the grave soil, most of which (27 species) were isolated at 24°C. The most effective medium for fungal isolation from the cadaver was Potato Dextrose Agar, whereas Yeast Peptone Glucose medium (pH 4.5, with chloramphenicol) yielded the highest species diversity from the grave soil. The cadaver-associated fungal community was dominated by Yarrowia lipolytica, suggesting its prominent role in decomposition during the active decay stage. This study improves understanding of regional fungal communities and their roles in decomposition, filling a gap in forensic mycology by profiling cadaver-associated fungi in Central Europe.