Post-mortem microbial communities (microbiota and microbiome) have emerged as promising tools for forensic investigations, particularly in estimating the post-mortem interval (PMI). However, experimental variability in sampling protocols, analytical methods, and reporting standards has limited the comparability and reproducibility of findings across studies. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines to evaluate the current literature on human post-mortem microbiota and microbiome. Inclusion criteria focused on studies that examined microbial communities in human cadavers using culture-based techniques, next-generation sequencing (NGS), or both. Data were extracted regarding sample types, microbial targets, analytical methods, decomposition stages, insect activity, and study objectives. A total of 24 studies were included, revealing substantial heterogeneity in methodological approaches. NGS techniques dominated recent literature, targeting bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences to characterize microbial succession during decomposition. While some studies have shown promising correlations between microbial taxa and PMI, the inconsistent use of controls and variable decomposition conditions impeded cross-study comparisons. Culture-based approaches were generally limited to early investigations and provided narrower taxonomic resolution. Despite encouraging results, the forensic application of post-mortem microbiome and microbiota remains hindered by methodological inconsistencies and a lack of standardization. Establishing unified protocols and adopting interdisciplinary approaches will be essential for validating microbial signatures as reliable forensic tools.

Background: Article 32 of the Italian Constitution guarantees the right to health for all citizens, including detainees. Prison populations face unique health challenges due to high-risk lifestyles, psychosocial stressors, and limited access to care. This study aimed to investigate the burden of chronic diseases and associated risk factors among male inmates in a central Italian prison. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in accordance with STROBE guidelines at Giuseppe Pagliei Prison in Frosinone, Central Italy, from May 2022 to May 2023. A total of 477 adult male inmates underwent systematic clinical evaluations and medical record reviews. Demographic and health data were analyzed to determine the prevalence of chronic conditions and related risk factors. Results: Participants (mean age 47.3 ± 13.1 years; 69.6% Italian, 30.4% international, mainly Eastern European and African) presented on average 1.8 chronic conditions. The most frequent diagnoses were psychiatric disorders (19.9%), cardiovascular diseases (17.2%), and osteoarticular disorders (14.5%). Disease burden correlated with aging, unhealthy lifestyles, and incarceration-related stressors. Tobacco smoking was highly prevalent. Conclusions: Male inmates show a considerable and partly preventable burden of chronic disease. Broader policy measures, including alternative sentencing and community-based rehabilitation, may mitigate the health impact of imprisonment while ensuring public safety. Adequate prison healthcare remains a public health priority and a constitutional and human rights obligation.