ABSTRACT
154The use of entomological evidence on estimating the post mortem interval (PMI) has been established especially in advanced decay stage. Blowfly Chrysomya megacephala is among the most abundant carrion flies applied in PMI estimation. However, the estimation may differ with the presence of drug or toxin since those toxic agents disrupt the normal development of blowflies. Diclofenac is analgesic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which has been reported to be abused and encountered in drug poisoning cases. The aims of this study were to determine the development rate of C. megacephala with the influence of diclofenac and to explore the potential of blowfly samples in determination of diclofenac. Five cow livers homogenized with different increment doses of diclofenac (0 mg/g, 0.5 mg/g, 1.5 mg/g, 4.5 mg/g, and 7.0 mg/g) were introduced to newly emerged C. megacephala larvae. Development rate of blowfly was monitored every 6 hours by the measurement of length and width. Research found that larvae contained diclofenac at all doses were shorter compared with the control. Post hoc ANOVA revealed the mean difference was significance (p < 0.05) between control and diclofenac groups at the early stage of development (12 hours to 78 hours). Control group completed its development within 198 hours, and it was shorter compared with the highest dose of diclofenac (7.0 mg/g) which was 222 hours. Chemical analysis of C. megacephala samples identified the presence of diclofenac. This research revealed the presence of diclofenac delayed C. megacephala development for up to 24 hours, thus may give an impact in estimation of PMI. Larvae of C. megacephala may have the potential to be used in toxicological analysis when the biological samples are absent at the crime scene due to high decomposition.
