Application of a Y-STR-pentaplex PCR (DYS19, DYS389I and II, DYS390 and DYS393) to sexual assault cases

A survey of 89 random rape cases including 166 semen traces, according to t he prostate-specific-antigen test, showed the need for a more efficient met hod of DNA-profiling. Na male autosomal STR-profile could be detected, afte r differential lysis, in 35% of the 84 samples usually containing high amou nts of the victim's cells, i.e. vaginal/anal washings and knickers. A Y-STR -pentaplex was applied to the stored sperm fi action of 50 unsolved semen t races, with success in 48% of them, The chance of success depends of the am ount of total DNA available and of the quality of the extracted DNA. (C) 20 01 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.