Bacterial transfer during sexual intercourse as a tool for forensic detection

Ruby Dixon; Siobhon Egan; Matthew Payne; Christopher Mullally; Brendan Chapman

doi:10.1016/j.isci.2025.111861

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Bacterial transfer during sexual intercourse as a tool for forensic detection

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Bacterial transfer during sexual intercourse as a tool for forensic detection

Ruby Dixon, Siobhon Egan, Matthew Payne, Christopher Mullally and Brendan Chapman

iScience, Vol.28(2), 111861

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2025.111861

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Abstract

Biological sciences

Microbiome

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. [Display omitted] •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 University
Siobhon Egan - Murdoch University, Centre for Computational and Systems Medicine
Matthew Payne - The University of Western Australia
Christopher Mullally - Murdoch University, School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences
Brendan 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
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