Bacterial transfer during sexual intercourse as a tool for forensic detection
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.
Authors
- Siobhon L. Egan (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4395-4069)
- Christopher A. Mullally (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8071-2523)
- Matthew S. Payne (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2308-3561)
- Ruby Dixon (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5045-5140)
- Brendan Chapman (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7518-6645)
Institutions
- The Kids Research Institute Australia (AU)
- Murdoch University (AU)
- The University of Western Australia (AU)
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research (AU)
Publication Details
- Journal
- iScience
- Published
- 2025-02-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2025.111861
- Citations
- 7
- Primary Topic
- Forensic and Genetic Research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 12.72
Funders
- Murdoch University