Use of Anopheles Mosquito Bloodmeal’s Serology and Haemoglobin Genotypes in Crime Scene Forensics

Background and Objective: The identification of mosquito blood meal sources is one essential aspect of forensic entomology which includes the study of insects in legal investigation and this can provide crucial evidence in criminal cases. This study was designed on the prospect of using serology and Hb genotype electrophoresis in identifying and individualizing female anopheles mosquito bloodmeal. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with a sample size of 50 mosquito blood meals and participant’s blood to investigate the application of cellulose acetate electrophoresis and blood serology in the identification and possible individualization of mosquito blood meal. The abdomen of the engorged and non-engorged mosquitoes was excised and samples were extracted for the electrophoresis and serological analysis using distilled water as diluents. Both runs were accompanied by the required controls for the participant’s blood and mosquito blood meal. Results: The results revealed that serology could be used strictly for blood identification and a possible indication of the presence of someone at the crime scene. Conclusion: The use of ABO and Rhesus D anti-sera could be of help in the forensic identification of mosquito blood meal and the inclusion of blood in a crime scene where a suspect’s presence or absence is apt.