Forensic entomology can detect drug toxicology in decomposed remains because:

• A Insects selectively accumulate lipophilic drugs from decomposing tissues into their bodies
• B Drugs alter the insect succession pattern, allowing indirect identification of the toxin
• C Blow fly puparia contain specific enzymes that transform drug metabolites into detectable compounds
• D Insect larvae and puparia concentrate and preserve many drugs and their metabolites ingested by the deceased, which can be detected by analytical toxicology ✓

Explanation

Insect larvae that feed on drug-containing tissues absorb and concentrate drugs and metabolites from the decomposing body. Larvae, puparia, and adult insects that have fed on the deceased can be analysed by GC-MS or HPLC to detect drugs (cocaine, opioids, barbiturates) even when conventional biological samples like blood or urine are unavailable due to putrefaction. This is a well-established technique in entomotoxicology.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.