Successful analysis of a 100 years old semen stain generating a complete DNA STR profile. (February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mameli, Alessandro; Scudiero, Carmine Maria; Delogu, Giovanni; Ghiani, Maria Elena
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic and legal medicine. Volume 61(2019)
• Page Start: 78
• Page End: 81
• Publication Date: 2019-02
• Subjects: Forensic genetics -- Aged semen stain -- Alternative Light Source -- Prostate-Specific Antigen Membrane Test Assays -- Autosomal STRs -- Y-chromosome STRs; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2018.11.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1752-928X

Abstract

Abstract: We performed forensic investigations on a handkerchief containing seminal fluid deposited 100 years earlier. The aim was to verify the possibility to achieve a complete genetic profile exceeding the limit of success reached until today with a partial semen stain profile stored up to 50 years. The current forensic methods were carried out: Alternative Light Source (ALS), Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test, autosomal and Y-chromosome Short Tandem Repeats (STRs). ALS inspection was a crucial method in the success of the analysis. On a dried semen stain, fluorescence remains constant for a very long time, allowing possibility to minimize the fabric sample to analyze, in order to preserve specimen for future defense guarantees or to protect historical finding. We achieved positive results in 3 of 6 traces, PSA and DNA results were concordant, only those cuttings that tested positive for PSA yielded DNA profiles. A complete male profile was generated by AmpFlSTR Identifiler Plus and 16 loci profile by AmpFLSTR Yfiler. Considering some historical sources that attributed this handkerchief dated 1916, to a famous Italian poet, the DNA profile found on the handkerchief was compared with a living male descendant, and the comparison of the Y-STR between the two gave positive results, confirming the reliability of the outcomes. The findings achieved by the current forensic method empower the application of this methodology to other forensic cases, especially in past unresolved cases. Highlights: Handkerchief aged biological traces have been identified and analyzed. A complete STRs male profile was produced by seminal stain older of about 100 years. Enhanced number of sample taken and analyzed increase chance of success. Data comparison with a living male-descendant confirmed reliability of results.