Pathogenic parasites play a significant role in biology due to their impact on human health and their diverse modes of transmission. In recent years, parasitology has gained importance in forensic science, where parasites can be used as biological indicators to help uncover crime circumstances and link individuals to specific environments or locations. Biological Basis of Pathogenic Parasites Pathogenic parasites are organisms that live on or inside a host and cause harm. They include protozoa, parasitic worms, and arthropods that transmit diseases. Their complex life cycles are influenced by environmental and host factors, making their presence valuable forensic biological evidence. Use of Parasites in Forensic Investigations Parasites can assist forensic investigations by: • Identifying the geographical location or environment associated with the victim or suspect. • Contributing to the estimation of time since death by analyzing parasite developmental stages. • Detecting neglect or abuse, particularly in children and the elderly. • Linking individuals to unsanitary or endemic environments. Relationship Between Parasitology and Forensic Medicine Forensic parasitological analysis is used to detect chronic diseases, malnutrition, and living conditions of the victim prior to death. It may also reveal infections that contributed to death or influenced the body’s response to trauma. Importance of Integrating Parasitology with Forensic Evidence Forensic parasitology represents an advanced integration of biology with forensic science, providing detailed biological information that complements other forensic disciplines such as DNA analysis and forensic entomology. Conclusion Pathogenic parasites have become an important supportive tool in modern forensic investigations. They help reveal hidden aspects of a victim’s life and death circumstances. With continued advances in biological analysis techniques, the forensic value of parasitology is expected to grow further. Al-Mustaqbal University – the first university in Iraq.
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