Bacterial transfer during sexual intercourse as a tool for forensic detection
Ruby Dixon, Siobhon Egan, Matthew S. Payne, Christopher A. Mullally, Brendan Chapman
Abstract
In forensic science, detecting transfers of physical and biological material is critical for establishing evidence of criminal involvement. Unique bacterial signatures from the reproductive system transfer during unprotected penetrative intercourse offer a novel tool for criminal investigation. Here, we demonstrate this transfer using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing and discuss the impact of barrier contraceptives. These microbial signatures can potentially aid in sexual assault casework for perpetrator identification when human male DNA is absent.
Topics & Concepts
Sexual assaultSexual intercourseIdentification (biology)Criminal investigationBiologyForensic scienceComputational biologyPsychologyGeneticsCriminologyMedicinePoison controlHuman factors and ergonomicsPopulationMedical emergencyEnvironmental healthEcologyForensic and Genetic ResearchEnvironmental DNA in Biodiversity StudiesReproductive tract infections research