DNA TYPING OF AZOOSPERMIC SEMEN AT THE D1S80 LOCUS

The examination of azoospermic semen poses a special problem for the f orensic scientist. Both serologic and RFLP methods may result in incon clusive results. PCR analysis is known to have an advantage in the eva luation of variably degraded, small quantities of DNA. This investigat ion addresses the feasibility of detecting the DNA profiles of azoospe rmic males in cases of suspected rape by the use of PCR amplification of the VNTR locus D1S80. DNA profiles were produced from aspermic seme n samples from six vasectomized males. Two mixed postcoital vaginal sa mples containing azoospermic semen from two of the vasectomized males were also obtained and both revealed the combined profiles of the azoo spermic semen donors and the vaginal epithelial donors. All cases resu lted in an allelic banding pattern of the donor semen matching the res pective blood/saliva standard.