Molecular identification of blow flies recovered from human cadavers during crime scene investigations in Malaysia
- Author:
Rajagopal Kavitha
;
Wasi Ahmad Nazni
;
Tian Chye Tan
;
Han Lim Lee
;
Mohd Noor Mat Isa
;
Mohd Sofian Azirun
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Forensic entomology, blowfl y, molecular identifi cation.
- From:The Malaysian Journal of Pathology
2012;34(2):127-132
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Forensic entomology applies knowledge about insects associated with decedent in crime scene
investigation. It is possible to calculate a minimum postmortem interval (PMI) by determining the age
and species of the oldest blow fly larvae feeding on decedent. This study was conducted in Malaysia
to identify maggot specimens collected during crime scene investigations. The usefulness of the
molecular and morphological approach in species identifications was evaluated in 10 morphologically
identifi ed blow fl y larvae sampled from 10 different crime scenes in Malaysia. The molecular
identifi cation method involved the sequencing of a total length of 2.2 kilo base pairs encompassing
the ‘barcode’ fragments of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI), cytochrome oxidase II
(COII) and t-RNA leucine genes. Phylogenetic analyses confi rmed the presence of Chrysomya megacephala, Chrysomya rufifacies and Chrysomya nigripes. In addition, one unidentified blow fly species was found based on phylogenetic tree analysis.
- Full text:W020151218571582944847.pdf
