Species identification in routine casework samples using the SPInDel kit

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2019

Authors

Pereira, F (Author) Other; Alves, C (Author) Other; Couto, C (Author) Other; Lopez Diaz, LL (Author) Other; Parra, D (Author) Other; Furfuro, S (Author) Other; Aler, M (Author) Other; Burillo Borrego, LB (Author) Other; Oleksakova, T (Author) Other; Balsa, F (Author) Other; Sampaio, L (Author) Other; Anjos Porto, MJA (Author) Other; Costa, HA (Author) Other; Arevalo Voss, CA (Author) Other; Caputo, M (Author) Other; Corachk, D (Author) Other; Garcia, O (Author) Other; Pedrosa Moro, SP (Author) Other; Pereira, R (Author) Other; Amorim, A (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: Forensic Science International: Genetics Supplement Series

Vol. 7

Pages: 180-181

ISSN: 1875-1768

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 1 Citation

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00R-5EJ

DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigss.2019.09.070

Abstract (EN): The identification of species in casework samples is of fundamental importance for forensic investigations. Laboratories are increasingly compelled to provide accurate and fast identifications in trace materials left on crime scenes, wildlife poaching, illegal trade of protected species, fraudulent food products cases, etc. However, the field of nonhuman forensic genetics is still working on the standardization of typing methods and practices. Here we describe the successful implementation of the Species Identification by Insertions/Deletions (SPInDel) method in routine casework analyses in 11 laboratories worldwide. The SPInDel was developed to detect human DNA, at the same time that identifies common animal species. The fragment size analysis of six mtDNA regions allows identification in suboptimal DNA samples, including mixtures, with no need for sequencing. The samples were collected from 2013 to 2018 and included hair, blood, meat, saliva, faeces, bones, etc. The SPInDel kit successfully identified > 95% of the samples, being dog, human and pig the most frequently detected species. The six SPInDel loci were successfully amplified in mixtures and degraded samples (river water, sand, stains in clothes, etc.). Interestingly, several species that were not originally targeted by SPInDel primers were also identified (e.g., red fox, brown bear, fallow deer and red deer). In conclusion, the SPInDel kit was successfully used in crime scene investigations (often involving human DNA detection) and in cases of poaching, environmental contamination and food fraud. It is now becoming a useful tool for the routine analysis of nonhuman DNA samples within the high quality standards of forensic genetics.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 2