Trial for the geographical identification using JC viral genotyping in Japan.

Despite progress in methods of scientific investigation, the increasing number of unidentified cadavers is a growing problem world-wide. We performed detailed statistical analysis based on reported data for Japanese JC virus (JCV) genotype distribution, and obtained two curves showing a marked north-south difference in the JC viral genotype, in spite of the frequent movement of people in Japan. This suggested the possibility of determining the origin of unidentified cadavers numerically, thus making the police investigation of unidentified cadavers much more economical and efficient. If the distribution of JC viral genotypes could be investigated in detail, it would be possible to obtain geographic information about unidentified cadavers even in a certain area.