ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 May 1998
Page Count: 12

Mitochondrial DNA Sequencing of Shed Hairs and Saliva on Robbery Caps: Sensitivity and Matching Probabilities
Engström, A-S
Laboratory engineer, University of Uppsala, Biomedical Center,

von Haeseler, A
Assistant professor, Institute of Zoology, University of Munich,

Allen, M
Postdoctoral fellow, University of Uppsala,

Handt, O
Graduate students Institute of Zoology, University of Munich,

Meyers, S
Graduate students Institute of Zoology, University of Munich,

Pääbo, S
Professor, Institute of Zoology, University of Munich,

Saldeen, T
Professor, University of Uppsala,

Gyllensten, U
Professor, University of Uppsala,

(Received 28 March 1997; accepted 24 September 1997)

Abstract

Sequencing of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been used for human identification based on teeth and skeletal remains. Here, we describe an amplification system for the mtDNA control region (D-loop) suited for the analysis of shed hair, which constitutes the most common biological evidence material in forensic investigations. The success rate was over 90% when applied to evidence materials such as shed hair, saliva stains and saliva on stamps. The analysis of evidence materials collected from three similar robberies revealed the presence of mtDNA sequences identical to those of the suspects in the three crimes. The use of mtDNA control region sequences for individual identification was evaluated. The probability of identity by chance for the mtDNA types of the suspects in the robberies was found to vary between Pr = 0.017 − <0.0017, depending on the reference population used, emphasizing the need for large population databases to obtain the appropriate estimate.

Keywords:
forensic science, DNA typing, mitochondrial DNA, DNA sequencing, shed hair, individual identification

Paper ID: JFS16169J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS16169J
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