Sperm Cell Capture Based on ABH Antigen Differences to Separate Two Men in Mixed Seminal Stains.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Genetics
• Immunology

Background:

• Personal identification in mixed semen samples is crucial for forensic DNA testing.
• Current methods using autosomal and Y chromosome short tandem repeats (STRs) can exclude donors but not identify individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for partially identifying individuals in mixed semen samples.
• To utilize sperm cell capture based on ABH antigen differences for improved STR typing.

Main Methods:

• Sperm cells were captured based on ABH antigen differences to isolate single ABO blood types.
• Immunohistochemical staining with anti-A, anti-B, and anti-H antibodies and laser microdissection enriched sperm.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification and capillary electrophoresis were used for STR genotyping.

Main Results:

• Autosomal STR typing was performed on enriched single blood group cells from mixed semen stains.
• This method allows for partial identification of different individuals within a two-person mixed sample.

Conclusions:

• Sperm cell capture based on ABH antigen differences is a viable technique.
• This approach enhances the capability of autosomal STR typing for partial individual identification in mixed semen samples.