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Thipphet K, Horpaopan S, Jaturas N, Thanchomnang T, Moophayak K, Chaiwong T, Hongsrichan N, Nakhonkam W, Phuwanatsarunya P, Dumidae A, Bunthong S, Kaewbungkord T, Sanit S, Ruankham W, Vitta A, Kurahashi H, Sukontason KL, Bunchu N. Molecular identification and genetic variation of forensically important fly species (Order: Diptera) in Thailand using DNA barcoding. Acta Trop 2024; 258:107366. [PMID: 39179166 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Forensic entomology plays a crucial role in criminal investigations by providing vital insights into minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) and corpse relocation by identifying insect species that colonize in decomposing remains. This study aimed to identify and analyze the genetic variation of forensically significant fly species in Thailand, using DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I COI gene. A total of 3,220 fly specimens were collected from 18 provinces across six regions of Thailand from October 2017 to September 2022. These specimens were classified by morphological identification into 21 species among three Dipteran families: Calliphoridae, Muscidae, and Sarcophagidae, with Chrysomya megacephala Diptera: Calliphoridae being the most abundant species. DNA barcoding confirmed the morphological identifications with 100 % accuracy, showing low intraspecific K2P distances0.0 to 1.1 %) and significant interspecific K2P distances 2.5 % to 17.2 %. A Neighbour-Joining (NJ) analysis was conducted to assess the molecular identification capabilities of the barcoding region. This analysis successfully recovered nearly all species as distinct monophyletic groups. The species groupings obtained were generally consistent with both morphological and molecular identifications. These findings underscore the effectiveness of DNA barcoding for precise species identification and contribute to a comprehensive database of forensically important flies in Thailand, thus facilitating improved forensic investigations and biodiversity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketsarin Thipphet
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Muang, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Sukanya Horpaopan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chaing Mai University, Muang, Chaing Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Narong Jaturas
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Muang, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand; Centre of Excellence in Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Muang, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | | | - Kittikhun Moophayak
- Nakhonsawan Campus, Mahidol University, Khaothong subdistrict, Phayuhakiri district, Nakhonsawan 60130, Thailand
| | - Tarinee Chaiwong
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani 34190, Thailand
| | - Nuttanan Hongsrichan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Wannacha Nakhonkam
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Muang, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Pluemkamon Phuwanatsarunya
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Muang, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Abdulhakam Dumidae
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Muang, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Suthawan Bunthong
- Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Muang, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | | | - Sangob Sanit
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Watcharapong Ruankham
- Faculty of Public Health, Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Apichat Vitta
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Muang, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand; Centre of Excellence in Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Muang, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
| | - Hiromu Kurahashi
- International Department of Dipterology (IDD), Hikawadai 1-2-21, Higashikurume City, Tokyo 203-0004 Japan
| | - Kabkaew L Sukontason
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Nophawan Bunchu
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Muang, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand; Centre of Excellence in Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Muang, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand.
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Pérez-Marcos M, Ruiz-Franco L, García MD, López-Gallego E, Arnaldos MI. The influence of altitude on the abundance and occurrence of species of the family Calliphoridae (Diptera) in corpses in a Mediterranean area. J Forensic Sci 2024; 69:944-952. [PMID: 38491762 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
A carcass is defined as a temporary resource that can support high levels of diversity compared to other resources. The level of diversity often depends on the environmental conditions in which the corpse is found. Calliphoridae (Diptera) are the most important necrophagous insects used in forensic investigations because this family is common, widespread, abundant, and usually the first to colonize a corpse. However, understanding the processes responsible for variation in calliphorid species abundance and richness along gradients in ecology remains a key challenge. In this study, we analyzed the influence of altitude on the abundance and diversity of Calliphoridae species in corpses at three different altitudes (400, 900, and 1500 m a.s.l.) in a mountainous area of southeastern Spain. The results revealed a gradient of decreasing abundance with increasing altitude. An altitudinal substitution of species was observed, with Chrysomya albiceps being found at the lowest altitude and Calliphora vicina at the highest altitude. Seasonal variation was also noted, with Ch. albiceps being the dominant species in the warmer months and C. vicina being the dominant species in winter. Our results confirm the importance of Calliphorids as seasonal, altitudinal, and environmental indicators, given the wide distribution and abundance of this family. This information is of great interest on the interpretation of data in forensic practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Pérez-Marcos
- Biological Pest Control & Ecosystem Services Laboratory, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research and Development of Murcia (IMIDA), Murcia, Spain
| | - Laura Ruiz-Franco
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Mª Dolores García
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- External Service of Forensic Sciences and Techniques, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Elena López-Gallego
- Biological Pest Control & Ecosystem Services Laboratory, Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research and Development of Murcia (IMIDA), Murcia, Spain
| | - Mª Isabel Arnaldos
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Regional Campus of International Excellence "Mare Nostrum", University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- External Service of Forensic Sciences and Techniques, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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Qu Y, Wang B, Deng J, Feng Y, Pi Z, Ren L, Cai J. Geographical Distribution and Multimethod Species Identification of Forensically Important Necrophagous Flies on Hainan Island. INSECTS 2023; 14:898. [PMID: 37999097 PMCID: PMC10672153 DOI: 10.3390/insects14110898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Forensic entomology offers unique advantages for the minimum postmortem interval (PMImin) estimation of decomposed corpses in forensic investigations. Accurate species identification and up-to-date locality information are essential. Hainan Island has a tropical rainforest climate and a vast territory. In this study, the community structure of necrophagous flies on Hainan Island was investigated in detail according to geographical environment. The results showed that the dominant species included C. megacephala, S. peregrina, C. rufifacies, S. misera, H. ligurriens, S. sericea, S. cinerea, S. dux, C. pinguis, and M. domestica. Furthermore, C. rufifacies and C. villeneuvi were found only in the high-altitude areas of Wuzhi Mountain, while S. cinerea was distributed only in coastal areas; the latter is a representative species of Hainan Island and has not been reported before. Furthermore, a GenBank database of forensically important flies was established, whilst a high-resolution melt (HRM) curve analysis was applied to identify the common species of Hainan Island for the first time. This study enriches the database of forensically important flies in tropical rainforest regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihong Qu
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410017, China; (Y.Q.); (Z.P.)
- Hainan Equity Judicial Expertise Center, Hainan Vocational College of Political Science and Law, Haikou 570100, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Hainan Provincial Academician Workstation, Haikou 570100, China; (B.W.); (J.D.)
| | - Jianqiang Deng
- Hainan Provincial Academician Workstation, Haikou 570100, China; (B.W.); (J.D.)
| | - Yakai Feng
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830011, China;
| | - Zhiyun Pi
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410017, China; (Y.Q.); (Z.P.)
| | - Lipin Ren
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410017, China; (Y.Q.); (Z.P.)
- Shanghai Key Lab of Forensic Medicine, Key Lab of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai 570100, China
| | - Jifeng Cai
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410017, China; (Y.Q.); (Z.P.)
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Yuan C, Tao R, Xia R, Chen L, Li C, Zhang S. Species identification on shark fin fragments based on DNA barcoding technique. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2022; 61:102754. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2022.102754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Bini C, Giorgetti A, Iuvaro A, Giovannini E, Gianfreda D, Pelletti G, Pelotti S. A DNA-based method for distinction of fly artifacts from human bloodstains. Int J Legal Med 2021; 135:2155-2161. [PMID: 34191097 PMCID: PMC8523429 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02643-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Fly artifacts resulting from insect activity could act as confounding factors on a crime scene and interfere with bloodstain pattern analysis interpretation. Several techniques have been proposed to distinguish fly artifacts from human bloodstains based on morphological approach and immunological assay, but a DNA-based method has not been developed so far. Even if in forensic genetic investigations the detection of human DNA is generally the primary goal, fly artifacts can provide useful information on the dynamics of crime events. The present study provides a molecular method to detect fly DNA from artifacts deposited by Calliphora vomitoria after feeding on human blood through the analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase gene subunit I (COI). Fly artifacts originated from digestive process and of different morphology spanning from red and brownish/light brown, circular and elliptical stains to artifacts with sperm-like tail or a tear-shaped body were collected. The COI amplification was successfully obtained in 94% of fly artifact samples. The method showed high sensitivity and reproducibility, and no human DNA contamination was observed, offering specificity for use in confirmatory test. This molecular approach permits the distinction of fly artifacts from genuine bloodstains and the identification of fly's species through the COI region sequencing by protocols usually applied in forensic genetic laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Bini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, via Irnerio, 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Arianna Giorgetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, via Irnerio, 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandra Iuvaro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, via Irnerio, 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Giovannini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, via Irnerio, 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Denise Gianfreda
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, via Irnerio, 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Guido Pelletti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, via Irnerio, 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Susi Pelotti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, via Irnerio, 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Fuentes-López A, Pedreño Sala A, Romera E, Galián J. DNA-based and taxonomic identification of forensically important Sarcophagidae (Diptera) in southeastern Spain. Sci Justice 2021; 61:150-159. [PMID: 33736847 DOI: 10.1016/j.scijus.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Studying dipterans at the scene of a death can provide essential information for interpreting the evidence and help to reconstruct the events happened to a corpse in the past. Molecular tools have been employed for identification at specific levels in the cases of cryptic species or poorly conserved specimens. Identification of specimens is essential in forensic entomology since each species has a specific growth rate, which determines the calculation of the minimum post mortem interval (minPMI). In addition, phylogeographic reconstruction within a species can help to differentiate the haplotypes from a geographic area, thereby helping to clarify the possible relocation of a corpse. The morphological identification of Sarcophagidae species is often difficult, especially for the females. This is an important Diptera family since some of its species are among the first to reach a corpse, especially in warm areas. In this study, we compared the sarcophagids found in human corpses in forensic cases in Alicante (southeast of Spain) with specimens collected from baited traps in the same area and surrounding provinces. In total, 189 specimens were collected, comprising 72 from forensic cases and 117 from baited traps. Molecular identification was conducted by sequencing the cox1 mitochondrial gene and analyzing the sequences using ABGD, GMYC, and BIN species delimitation methods. The median joining algorithm in the PopART program was used to construct phylogeographic networks. Eight species in the family Sarcophagidae were identified. The most widely collected species were Sarcophaga argyrostoma and Sarcophaga tibialis. The haplotype networks obtained for these species did not indicate a clear geographic distribution of haplotypes. The S. argyrostoma samples from Alcoy were clearly isolated. The results demonstrated that this method is useful for identifying Sarcophagidae samples in forensic investigations and it can be employed for minPMI estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Fuentes-López
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Región de Murcia, Spain.
| | - Aarón Pedreño Sala
- Brigada Provincial de Policía Científica, Comisaría Provincial de Policía Nacional de Alicante, Alicante 03007, Comunitat Valenciana, Spain.
| | - Elena Romera
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Región de Murcia, Spain.
| | - José Galián
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física, Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100 Región de Murcia, Spain.
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Fuentes-López A, Rebelo MT, Romera E, López-López A, Galián J. Genetic diversity of Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in the Iberian Peninsula based on cox1, 16S and ITS2 sequences. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
The study of Diptera at the scene of a crime can provide essential information for the interpretation of evidence. Phylogeographic reconstruction could help differentiate haplotypes of a dipteran species in a geographical area, clarifying, for example, the details of a possible relocation of a corpse. In addition, inferring the ancestral areas of distribution helps to understand the current status of the species and its biogeographic history. One of the most important species in forensic entomology is Calliphora vicina Rovineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Diptera: Calliphoridae). The aim of this work is to increase our knowledge of this species in the Iberian Peninsula using 464 specimens from Spain and Portugal. These samples were identified using morphological keys and by molecular methods using fragments of the cox1, 16S and ITS2 genes. The phylogeographic history of these populations was inferred from haplotype networks and the reconstruction of ancestral areas of distribution. The molecular results corroborated the morphological identifications of the samples. Phylogeographic networks showed no geographical structure, as haplotypes are shared among almost all populations. reconstruct ancestral state in phylogenies analyses showed a high rate of movement among populations, possibly related to human activity. These results suggest that this species had a very rapid and recent spatial and demographic expansion throughout the Iberian Peninsula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Fuentes-López
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física (Área de Biología Animal), Universidad de Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Teresa Rebelo
- Departamento de Biología Animal/Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Elena Romera
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física (Área de Biología Animal), Universidad de Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alejandro López-López
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física (Área de Biología Animal), Universidad de Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain
- Área de Zoología, Departamento de Agroquímica y Medio Ambiente, Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche, Elche, Spain
| | - José Galián
- Departamento de Zoología y Antropología Física (Área de Biología Animal), Universidad de Murcia, Campus Mare Nostrum, Murcia, Spain
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A world review of reported myiases caused by flower flies (Diptera: Syrphidae), including the first case of human myiasis from Palpada scutellaris (Fabricius, 1805). Parasitol Res 2020; 119:815-840. [PMID: 32006229 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-020-06616-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Rat-tailed larvae of the syrphid species Palpada scutellaris (Fabricius, 1805) are documented causing an enteric human myiasis in Costa Rica. This is the first time that the genus Palpada is recorded as a human myiasis agent. We report a 68-year-old woman with intestinal pain and bloody diarrhea with several live Palpada larvae present in the stool. Using molecular techniques (DNA barcodes) and both electronic and optical microscopy to study the external morphology, the preimaginal stages of the fly were unambiguously identified. An identification key to all syrphid genera actually known as agents of human and animal myiases is provided for larvae, puparia, and adults. Moreover, a critical world review of more than 100 references of Syrphidae as myiasis agents is also given, with emphasis on the species with rat-tailed larvae.
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