The Application of The Skin Virome for Human Identification

Abstract

The use of skin virome for human identification purposes offers a unique approach to instances where a viable and statistically relevant human DNA profile is unavailable. The human skin virome may act as an alternative DNA profile and/or an additional form of probative genetic material. To date, no study has attempted to investigate the human virome over a time series across various physical locations of the body to identify its potential as a tool for human identification. For this study, we set out to evaluate the stability, diversity, and individualization of the human skin virome. An additional goal was to identify viral signatures that can be used in conjunction with traditional forensic STR loci. In order to accomplish this, human virome metagenomes were collected and sequenced from 42 individuals at three anatomical locations (left hand, right hand, and scalp) across multiple collections periods over a 6-month window of time. Assembly dependent and independent bioinformatic approaches were employed, along with a database-based assessment, which resulted in three sets of stable putative viral markers. In total, with the three sets combined, 59 viral species and uncharacterized viral genome assemblies were identified as being significantly stable (P=5.3x10-15). Viral diversity, based on presence or absence, is significantly different across subjects (P<0.001). Here we demonstrate that not only is the human virome applicable to be used for human identification, but we have identified many viral signatures that can be used for forensic applications, thus providing a foundation to the novel field of forensic virology.

Feline Papillomavirus Isolate P20 Assembled from Metagenomic Data Isolated from the Human Skin of a House Cat Owner

“…The libraries were then sequenced as 150 bp paired-end reads on the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform (Illumina, Inc, San Diego, CA, USA). During that study (5), we identified one participant with a metagenome which consistently showed the presence of a feline papillomavirus and who also self-identified as being an owner of a domesticated house cat.…”

“…In a previous study we addressed the diversity and stability of DNA viruses on human skin by sampling three anatomical locations – left hand, right hand, and scalp – over a longitudinal 6-month period for 43 human subjects (5). Briefly, samples were collected using a tandem dry and wet swab technique.…”

“…In a previous study addressing the diversity and stability of viruses on human skin, we sampled three locations -left hand, right hand, and scalp -over a longitudinal 6-month period (11). Viral enriched metagenomic DNA was extracted from skin swabs and sequenced on an Illumina Hi-Seq sequencer as previously described (11).…”

“…In a previous study addressing the diversity and stability of viruses on human skin, we sampled three locations -left hand, right hand, and scalp -over a longitudinal 6-month period (11). Viral enriched metagenomic DNA was extracted from skin swabs and sequenced on an Illumina Hi-Seq sequencer as previously described (11). In that study, a questionnaire was given to participants to collect pertinent information about subject lifestyle and environmental variables, such that we could understand how the human skin virome is shaped and maintained.…”

“…This included 15 different metagenomic samples from across three body locations and five sampling times. In our previous study, a combination of laboratory techniques and bioinformatic tools to isolate the viral component of human skin was employed (11).…”