Detection of endosulfan isomers and metabolites by GC-MS in the exhumed body of an infant.

ABSTRACT

Endosulfan is a broad spectrum, non-systemic contact, and alimentary insecticide. It is a mixture of two isomers. The analysis of this insecticide, its isomers a and b endosulfan and other metabolic fragments, especially endolactone and a chlorinated dicarboxylic product in the autopsy material of an infant was performed by GC-MS in an alleged case of infanticide related to a dowry demand case. It confirmed that the child had been poisoned with endosulfan prior to death. No autopsy material, except ash and bone were left of the mother, as her par-ents-in-law had cremated her body. A new method was developed on GC-MS for the detection of this insecticide, which can be highly useful for routine analysis of insecticides in forensic laboratories. A study of various metabolites of endosulfan was also performed which may be informative for metabolic pathways studies.