Digital Dermatoglyphic Patterns of Uturu People of Abia State

Background: Dermatoglyphics is an essential tool in population studies, identification of persons and diagnosis of diseases of genetic origin. The aim of the study was to determine the characteristics of finger dermatoglyphic patterns peculiar to Uturu indigenes of Abia State. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among the Uturu Indigenes of Isikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State Nigeria. A total of two hundred (200) volunteers comprising 100 Males (M) and 100 Females (F) participated in the study. The fingerprints of the thumb (I), index finger (II), middle finger (III), ring finger (IV) and little finger (V) were obtained from the right and left hands using digital scanners and computers. Data were obtained for finger dermal patterns, finger ridge count (FRC) and total finger ridge count (TFRC) Analysis of data was done using Microsoft Excel Data Analysis Tool pack (2016 Edition) and Chi Square test at p>0.05 was used to determine sexual dimorphism and bilateralism. Results: The patterns observed among sampled Uturu indigenes were Arch (AR), Central pocket loop (CP.L), Double loop (DL), Spiral whorl (SP.W), Ulnar whorl (UL). Uturu people have more ulnar loops in both hands [I; (Right; R) = 55%, (Left; L = 58%), II; (R = 60%, L = 59.5%), III; (R = 75%, L = 66%), IV; (R = 63%, L = 64%), V; (R = 85%, L = 83.5%)], followed by whorls [I; (R = 25%, L = 21.5%), II; (R = 26%, L = 23%), III; (R = 18.5%, L = 20%), IV; (R = 24.5%, L = 25%), V; (R = 9%, L = 9.5%)] and arches [I; (Right; R) = 9.5%, (Left; L) = 12.5%, II; (R = 11%, L = 12.5%), III; (R = 4%, L = 9%), IV; (R = 3%, L = 3.5%), V; (R = 2.5, L = 3.5%)], while radial loop was the least observed pattern (1.5% on the left index finger). The test for bilateralism showed no significant difference in the distribution of dermal patterns in the right and left fingers. In the index finger, significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in the pattern distribution for the right between males and females. Uturu indigenes have more finger ridge count in the right thumb. Conclusion: The findings of the study will be relevant to biomedical anthropologists, Forensic Scientists and population studies experts.