Identification of host DNA by amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis: preliminary analysis of human crab louse (Anoplura: Pediculidae) excreta.
The ability to identify individual hosts of hematophagous arthropods via bloodmeal analyses is a continuing pursuit in both medical and forensic entomology. Characterization of human DNA from blood-feeding arthropods has been advanced substantially by preparation techniques, such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Successful application of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AMP-FLP) analysis to excreta obtained from adult crab lice, Pthirus pubis (L.), fed on human volunteers is reported herein. Human DNA derived from crab louse excreta was typed successfully for two human DNA genetic markers, D1S80 and HUMTH01. Although preliminary, these results illustrate the ability of AMP-FLP analyses to provide individual human locus characterizations from desiccated arthropod excrement.
Forensic Science Research and Training Center, Laboratory Division, FBI Academy, Quantico, VA 22135.
J
J
Replogle
W D
WD
Lord
B
B
Budowle
T L
TL
Meinking
D
D
Taplin
D000818:Animals; D000854:Anoplura / Q000737:chemistry*; D001179:Arthropod Vectors; D001483:Base Sequence; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000235:genetics; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic
D017931:DNA Primers; D004247:DNA