Identification of two fire victims by comparative nuclear DNA typing of skeletal remains and stored umbilical tissues.
We describe here our collaborative efforts in identifying 2 fatalities of a fire disaster by using a variety of identification techniques. Postmortem findings in both cases were reinforced using Short Tandem Repeat (STR) DNA technology to establish with a high degree of certainty the identities of 2 child victims. STR markers used in the present study include HUMAMEL, HUMCSFIPO, HUMTHO1, HUMvWA, HUMFES/FPS, HUMF13A01, HUMFOLP23, D8S3O6, HUMFGA, and HUMTPOX. Unambiguous identification was made possible through matching DNA profiles generated from skeletal remains with those from umbilical tissues. These tissues were kept by their mothers in accordance with a Philippine tradition and were submitted for DNA analysis. Of the DNA profiles generated from exhumed bone samples of 21 child victims, comparison with the genetic profiles of children A and B obtained from umbilical tissues showed consistent DNA matches with remains 1756 and 1758, respectively.
Calacal
Gayvelline C
GC
DNA Analysis Laboratory, Natural Sciences Research Institute, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.
De Ungria
Maria Corazon A
MC
Delfin
Frederick C
FC
Lara
Myra C
MC
Magtanong
Danilo L
DL
Fortun
Raquel
R
D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000473:pathology*; D016172:DNA Fingerprinting / Q000379:methods*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005390:Fires; D018732:Forensic Anthropology / Q000379:methods*; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D021141:Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques / Q000379:methods; D020080:Tandem Repeat Sequences / Q000235:genetics; D014470:Umbilical Cord / Q000473:pathology*