JC viral DNA chip allows geographical localization of unidentified cadavers for rapid identification

To narrow down the geographical origins of unidentified cadavers, a rapid and simple method to detect JC virus (JCV) genotypes using a DNA chip was developed.

Fifty-four probes on a 3mm silicon DNA chip were designed to distinguish 12 JCV genotypes. The detection limit of the DNA chip was 0.001pg/μL of template JCV DNA concentration, showing a sensitivity equal to that of the conventional method. The analysis requires only a few hours to yield results. This new DNA chip method helps to narrow the search area for human identification much more quickly and easily than use of the conventional method.