Identificação humana utilizando o DNA na saliva: Revisão de literatura

Abstract

This review highlights the importance of human identification, addressing methods such as dental examination, fingerprinting, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). These methods share characteristics such as uniqueness, immutability, perpetuity, classifiability, and practicability, being scientific and reliable means. Molecular biology, especially DNA testing, is crucial for human identification, offering high accuracy in genetic matching. Biological traces at crime scenes, such as blood, semen, hair, and saliva are used for human identification, using DNA. Saliva, in particular, is a valuable source of DNA, but its use requires attention to specific factors to ensure the viability of the sample, following established principles in the field. The objective of this study was to carry out a literature review focusing on the particularities surrounding the use of saliva in DNA collection. Saliva samples can be obtained with the swab method, which is advantageous due to its speed and non-invasiveness. Environmental factors and care in collection are crucial to preserve the quality of salivary DNA. Brazil has implemented the National Bank of Genetic Profiles, seeking to contribute to the resolution of criminal cases, but there are challenges such as the need for efforts to improve efficiency, and the standardizing DNA analysis methods, which is essential for international acceptance. Saliva, due to its ease of collection and access, is a valuable source for genetic analysis in criminal investigations. Despite its advantages, it is crucial to address challenges such as DNA contamination and degradation in certain environmental conditions. It is concluded that there is great importance in the methodologies of saliva collection and preservation to ensure effective results in forensic analyses, but that we still need more effective databases in Brazil.