The application of the skin virome for human identification

Abstract

The use of skin virome offers a unique approach for human identification purposes in instances where a viable and statistically relevant human DNA profile is unavailable. The 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 diagnostic 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 putative viral signatures that can be used in conjunction with traditional forensic STR loci. In order to accomplish this, human viral metagenomes were collected and sequenced from 42 individuals at three anatomical locations (left hand, right hand, and scalp) across multiple collection periods over a 6-month window of time. Assembly dependent and independent bioinformatic approaches, along with a database centered assessment of viral identification, resulted in three sets of stable putative viral markers. In total, with the three sets combined, we identified 59 viral biomarker regions, consisting of viral species and uncharacterized viral genome assemblies, that were stable over the sampling period. Additionally, we found the abundance profiles of these 59 viral biomarkers, based on presence or absence, to be 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 putatively be used for forensic applications, thus providing a foundation to the novel field of forensic virology.

Recent advances in forensic biology and forensic DNA typing: INTERPOL review 2019–2022

“…The microbiomes on skin, saliva, vaginal fluid, and stool samples have been compared [ 575 ]. The stability, diversity, and individualization of the human skin virome was explored with 59 viral biomarkers being found that differed across the 42 individuals studied [ 576 ]. It will be interesting to see what the future holds and what other findings come from this active area of research.…”

Genome Sequence of Feline Papillomavirus Strain P20 Assembled from Metagenomic Data from the Skin of a House Cat Owner

“…We previously studied the diversity and stability of DNA viruses on human skin by sampling three anatomical locations, i.e., left hand, right hand, and scalp, longitudinally over a 6-month period for 43 human subjects ( 5 ). Briefly, samples were collected using a tandem dry and wet swab technique.…”

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

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

“…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.…”

“…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.…”