Comparison of lip prints, palatal rugae with blood groups in Karnataka and Kerala population

Abstract

Background: In the literature, there is no data for the study done to compare lip prints and palatal rugae with blood groups. Correlating lip prints and palatal rugae with blood groups may be valuable in forensic science in precise identifi cation of an individual than by means of lip prints or palatal rugae only. The present study was carried out to establish the allocation of diff erent lip print patterns and palatal rugae among the subjects having diverse ABO and Rh blood groups in Karnataka and Kerala population. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 100 subjects, which included 50 Kerala and 50 Manipuri subjects in the age group of 17-21 years. All the individuals’ lip prints, palatal rugae and blood groups were studied. Statistical comparison between the groups was done using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test for small samples. Results: Type 2 was found to be the predominant lip print pattern (45%) in both the populations. The major rugae shape in both the populations was wavy pattern and less commonly curved and straight. Left side of the palate showed relatively more number of rugae. Blood Group A showed highest Type 3 lip print, B showed Type 2 pattern, AB showed Type 1 and Type 3 patterns and O showed Type 2 patterns. In blood Group A, curved palatal rugae were predominant whereas, in blood Group B, AB and O wavy patterns were predominant. Conclusion: In the present study, it is noted that there is no association between lip prints and blood groups. However, comparison of palatal rugae with blood groups showed a statistically signifi cant diff erence. Thus, our present showed a correlation between palatal rugae and blood groups.