Journal Published Online: 01 May 1997
Volume 42, Issue 3

PCR-Based DNA Typing of Saliva Stains Recovered from Human Skin

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Human bites in cases of homicide, sexual assault, and abuse are often distorted due to the elasticity and curvature of the skin. Physical comparison of a bite mark to a suspect's teeth is sometimes difficult. Saliva, which is usually deposited during biting, can be collected and analyzed to identify the perpetrator. Using simulated bite mark situations in two experimental series, three samples of 40 μL of whole saliva were deposited on the skin of 27 cadavers (at 33 sites) and three samples of 100 μL of whole saliva were deposited on the skin of 5 cadavers (at 12 sites). Saliva was collected using the double swab technique at t = 5 min, t = 24 h, and t = 48 h. DNA was extracted using the modified Chelex method and submitted to PCR-based typing at two short tandem repeat loci. Results indicate that the concentration of DNA in saliva recovered from skin varies as a function of time since deposition. There is a significant decrease in concentration in the first 24 h but the concentration remains stable from 24 to 48 h. The success of PCR amplification is independent of the time since deposition or the concentration of DNA in the saliva sample. Contamination from the DNA of the cadaver was not found in any of the cases studied.

Author Information

Sweet, D
University of British Columbia, Faculty of Dentistry, Vancouver, Canada
Lorente, JA
University of Granada, Faculty of Medicine, Granada, Spain
Valenzuela, A
University of Granada, Faculty of Medicine, Granada, Spain
Lorente, M
University of Granada, Faculty of Medicine, Granada, Spain
Villanueva, E
University of Granada, Faculty of Medicine, Granada, Spain
Pages: 5
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS14146J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14146J