Y-STR typing in forensic analysis

Abstract

We reinvestigated 20 cases of rape/sexual maltreatment from the years 2000/2001 (i.e. 61 different samples) that had already been investigated by STR typing (using Profiler Plus and mentype kit). In 10 cases, male DNA has been detected in stains or vaginal swabs, samples from the other 10 cases did not show any traces of male DNA. Ten Y-specific loci were amplified in two multiplex PCRs, mpI: DYS393, DYS19, DYS392, DYS385; mpII: DYS390, DYS391, DYS389I and II. Even though amplification of Y-specific loci was not more sensitive and did not lead to any other conclusions than autosomal STR typing alone, in specific cases Y-STR determination gave important information, e.g. when the male suspect was unknown or when mixed stains from more than one male person had to be investigated.