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CC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Journal article
Bacterial transfer during sexual intercourse as a tool for forensic detection
iScience, Vol.28(2), 111861
2025
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.
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•Transfer of unique and non-unique bacterial taxa during intercourse was observed•Lactobacillus spp. contributed to the most female to male sexome transfer•Despite the use of a condom during intercourse, transfer of the sexome was still observed•Condom/lube use, oral intercourse, circumcision/pubic hair: no impact on microbial diversity
Biological sciences; Microbiome
Details
- Title
- Bacterial transfer during sexual intercourse as a tool for forensic detection
- Authors/Creators
- Ruby Dixon - Murdoch UniversitySiobhon Egan - Murdoch University, Centre for Computational and Systems MedicineMatthew Payne - The University of Western AustraliaChristopher Mullally - Murdoch University, School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic SciencesBrendan Chapman - Murdoch University, School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences
- Publication Details
- iScience, Vol.28(2), 111861
- Publisher
- Elsevier Inc
- Number of pages
- 18
- Grant note
- Murdoch University Bachelor of Science Honours program under the school of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences
This study was funded and supported by the Murdoch University Bachelor of Science Honours program under the school of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences.
- Identifiers
- 991005743939407891
- Copyright
- © 2025 Elsevier Inc., its licensors, and contributors.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Australian National Phenome Centre; School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Industry collaboration
- Domestic collaboration
- Citation topics
- 1 Clinical & Life Sciences
- 1.248 Sexually Transmitted Infections
- 1.248.655 Chlamydia Infections
- Web Of Science research areas
- Microbiology
- ESI research areas
- Microbiology