Simultaneous DNA analysis of HLA-DPB and -DQB loci from single hairs: A forensic case report

Abstract

Polymorphic DNA sequences can be amplified over a rnillionfo1d with polymerase chain reaction (PCR), therefore samples can be typed even when the DNA is degraded or very small amount is available. The HLA Class II genes HLA-DR, -DQ, and -DP present a high degree of polymorphism and are suitable as genetic markers for individual forensic identification (Korman et al 1985). Higuchi et al (1988) typed for HLA-DQA single hairs by using PCR. We report a case concerning five hairs found on the hands of a murdered man. HLA-DPB polymorphism was analyzed from all the single hairs, for two simultaneously with HLA-DQB polymorphism. The typing was compared to that obtained from plucked hairs of the victim and the suspect.