Influence of the amount of saliva deposition and time elapsed after deposition on bite mark analysis.

Abstract

Bite mark analysis is among the most interesting research fields in forensic odontology; however, it is limited by its dependence on the employed method as well as assessor subjectivity, particularly when using morphological analysis or DNA profiling. These limitations are due to differences in DNA collected from saliva adhering to a living or inanimate body, as well as differences in exocrine fluid secretion and deposition amount among individuals. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of DNA profiling when there are differences in the amount of saliva adhering to a living body and when time has elapsed since deposition. Most allele peaks could be identified in 1µl of saliva, even 9h after saliva deposition and examination. Consistent results were obtained following saliva deposition in an individual who had engaged in up to 9h of free activity. The results of this study demonstrate the validity and reliability of DNA profiling for bite mark analysis and are extremely important as they can demonstrate the usefulness of the little information left by a suspect on a victim's body.