User:Dlaundry/Forensic mycology

Lead
"The consumption of fungi by humans is well-known, and intoxication commonly occurs due to the misidentification of species. Accidental or deliberate intake can lead to serious intoxications and even to death. Although most cases are not fatal, the gravity depends on the amount consumed and the tolerance of the individuals. In some situations, the onset of symptoms is rapid, but in others, they might not be apparent for several days." (1)

"The number of poisonous species is limited, but a large number can cause gastric disorders. In cases of poisoning where intact specimens are not available for examination, the spores and other microscopic remains in the stomach and intestine contents can be used to identify the species, which is essential for the correct diagnosis and treatment." (1)

Fungi have a wide variety of forensic uses, including the determination of postmortem interval, identification of the use of psychotropic and toxic substances as illicit drugs or causes of death, tracking mold growth in buildings, and as trace evidence (3).

The first noted use of fungal growth to determine post-mortem interval occured in 1980 (4). It was preformed by H. van de Voorde and P. J. Van Dijck of the Catholic University of Leuven in Leuven, Belgium (4).

Mycological trace evidence is often found as fungal spores and pollen (3).

These microscopic particles are transferred, as posited by Locard's Exchange Principle (LINK), between objects or persons.