Investigation of human DNA profiles in house dust mites: Implications in forensic acarology

Abstract

House dust mites are microscopic arthropods commonly found in many households. Since they feed on the flakes of shed human skin, human genetic material is expected to be present in these creatures. We conducted a study to find out if house dust mites can carry the DNA of the house occupants. If this were true, could human DNA isolated from the mites, obtained from a crime scene, be used as evidence in court?