Abstract
In forensic casework, nasal secretion can be a good source of DNA. Moreover, saliva can prove useful in cases of sexual assault. However, discriminating between these body fluids is often difficult because of cross-reactivity between them on presumptive and confirmatory tests. Therefore, an RT-qPCR procedure was developed to discriminate between nasal secretion and saliva. Characteristic genes in nasal secretion and/or saliva (BPIFA1, STATH, HTN3, and PRH2) were selected as candidates. Discrimination criteria were established based on the expression levels of these markers in various body fluids. In addition, a flowchart was proposed and used to discriminate among nasal secretion, saliva, and other body fluids in various forensic samples. BPIFA1 was highly expressed in nasal secretion but was also expressed in saliva, semen, and vaginal fluid at trace levels. STATH was expressed in nasal secretion and saliva but not in other body fluids. HTN3 was specifically expressed in most of the saliva samples, as reported previously. Unexpectedly, PRH2 was expressed in only a few saliva samples. Using the proposed criteria and flowchart, nasal secretion and saliva were successfully discriminated among the various body fluids tested. The developed procedure could be useful in forensic casework.
Highlights
In criminal casework, various types of biological samples are recovered from crime scenes
Saliva is one of the main body fluids left at crime scenes, and analysis results can prove useful in various criminal cases, especially sexual assaults
Presumptive and confirmatory tests for saliva based on α-amylase activity or protein [1,2,3] can show cross-reactivity with other body fluids [4,5,6,7], such as nasal secretion
Summary
Various types of biological samples are recovered from crime scenes. These biological samples are analyzed to determine what type of crime may have occurred and whether a particular suspect was involved. Saliva is one of the main body fluids left at crime scenes, and analysis results can prove useful in various criminal cases, especially sexual assaults. Presumptive and confirmatory tests for saliva based on α-amylase activity or protein [1,2,3] can show cross-reactivity with other body fluids [4,5,6,7], such as nasal secretion. A procedure for discriminating between nasal secretion and saliva could be valuable in criminal casework
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