Genotypic Polymorphisms of Hepatitis B Virus Provide Useful Information for Estimating Geographical Origin or Place of Long-term Residence of Unidentified Cadavers

• NCJ Number: 246567
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 59 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2014 Pages: 236-241
• Author(s): Hiroyuki Inoue Ph.D.; Hisako Motani-Saitoh Ph.D.; Koichi Sakurada Ph.D.; Hiroshi Ikegaya Ph.D.; Daisuke Yajima Ph.D.; Sayaka Nagasawa Ph.D.; Hirotaro Iwase Ph.D.
• Date Published: January 2014
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Increasing numbers of unidentified cadavers are a major problem.

Abstract

Increasing numbers of unidentified cadavers are a major problem. We have developed a new method for providing identification information that can determine the geographical origin or place of long-term residence of unidentified cadavers based on genotypic polymorphisms of hepatitis B virus HBV known to correlate with their geographical distribution. PCR of serum samples detected HBV DNA from 4 3.9% of 102 randomly selected Japanese forensic cadavers. Multiplex PCR did not detect multiple HBV genotypes from any single cadaver, confirming the absence of coinfection. Phylogenetic tree analysis based on a 485-bp mutant region of the HBV S gene successfully classified the HBV genotypes into A to J. Among 10 HBV-infected cadavers, 8 had genotype Ce/C2, a genotype prevalent in East Asia, and 2 had genotype Bj/B1, a Japanese-specific genotype. HBV genotypic polymorphisms correlate with the geographical distribution of the virus and thus provide important information for identifying unidentified cadavers infected with HBV. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.