PARASITES IN PURSUIT OF JUSTICE : UNCOVERING CRIMES AND TRAFFICKING ROUTES
Forensic science has yet to fully explore the potential of parasites as forensic indicators. From viruses to common pests like ticks and lice, parasites can identify wildlife trafficking routes, trace biological attacks, and indicate travel histories. Notable cases include identifying Dermacentor albipictus in moose in Canada and Pediculus humanus in humans in Italy. Despite this promise, limited awareness among forensic experts hinders progress. Research in forensic parasitology could revolutionize forensic science with unique biological insights.
Wildlife trafficking threatens global biodiversity, fueled by demand for
exotic pets, animal parts, and bushmeat. Trafficked wildlife hosts diverse
parasites, which can inform investigators about their geographic origin and
whether animals are captive-bred or wild-collected. For example, Myxobolus
arcticus identified poached sockeye salmon, and winter tick (Dermacentor
albipictus) determined the time of death for a poached moose. Parasites act as
"biological tags" in criminal investigations, indicating past
movements of infected fish or wildlife.Parasites can complement genetic
analysis in refining the geographic origins of trafficked wildlife. The
pangolin tick (Amblyomma javanense) commonly found on trafficked Asian
pangolins can assist investigators in determining their origin. Differentiating
captive-bred from wild-collected exotic animals is another area where parasites
can help. For instance, ticks are common on imported reptiles from wild
populations but rare in captivity.
Biological attacks using weaponized parasites pose serious security risks.
Historical examples include the Soviet Union using mosquitoes to spread
Venezuelan equine encephalitis and Nazi Germany using fleas to disseminate
Yersinia pestis. Parasitologists identify parasite specimens and assess if they
are outside their natural range or present in unusually high numbers,
indicating deliberate release. For example, Australian paralysis ticks (Ixodes
holocyclus) in New York would suggest an attack due to their non-native status.
DNA analysis of residual spermatozoa in rape cases degrades quickly, but
parasites transmitted during intercourse, such as Trichomonas vaginalis,
Pthirus pubis (pubic lice), and Sarcoptes scabiei (scabies mites), persist
longer. These parasites can serve as "biological tags" linking
rapists to victims. Genomic analysis of T. vaginalis strains strengthens
evidence of transmission, while DNA in lice blood meals can link a louse to the
rapist.
Parasitic infections indicate criminal neglect involving vulnerable
individuals. Facultative parasites like fly larvae causing myiasis infest
wounds in neglected individuals, providing strong evidence of maltreatment.
Obligate parasitic flies and human lice also highlight neglect, with lice
presence indicating poor living conditions and care.
Developing forensic parasitology involves creating reference libraries,
screening protocols, a global database, and increasing educational resources.
Accurate identification of parasites requires reference libraries and
collections. Screening protocols should include searching for parasites on
victims, suspects, and crime scenes. A centralized database would archive case
reports, methodologies, and resources. Forensic parasitology is a promising yet underdeveloped field. Parasites
provide insights into human and animal movements, aiding investigations of
wildlife trafficking, biological attacks, criminal neglect, and sex crimes. As
awareness grows, forensic parasitology will emerge as a valuable discipline in
forensic science.
REFERENCES:
IMAGE CREDITS:
https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/50158
https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Tick-Ixodida-species-with-forensic-utility-A-Asian-pangolin-tick-Amblyomma_fig2_377660755
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