Histochemical and immunohistochemical investigations on post-mortem injuries caused by ants and literature review

Ants are arthropods that may inflict post-mortem skin damages on human corpses, often interfering with forensic investigations. A histochemical and immunohistochemical study was performed on skin samples of a human corpse found in an open suburban area in Southern Italy, showing extensive attack by Tapinoma nigerrimum Nylander, 1856 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The histological findings were compared to the available literature data about post-mortem skin damages caused by arthropods, also conducting an extensive survey of forensic literature on the subject.