Short tandem repeat typing technologies used in paternity testing: a case study

Abstract

Background: In forensic field, for establishing the paternity of disputed offspring, STR typing (autosomal, and Y typing) are commonly used to dissolve the cases. Short tandem repeat (STR) technology is used to evaluate specific regions (loci) within nuclear DNA. Variability in STR regions can be used to distinguish one DNA profile from another. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) uses a standard set of 13 specific STR regions for CODIS. Aim of the study: The present work was done to find out the biological father of child in a case where mother was killed by her husband for the doubt of her pregnancy. Methods: After taking blood samples from the murdered mother, the baby and the killer husband, Autosomal STRs Using AmpFlSTR Identifiler Plus PCR Amplification Kit and Y-STR analysis using AmpFlSTR Yfiler PCR Amplification Kit were done to solve the disputed paternity case. Results: After the analysis of DNA STRs profiles of autosomal and Y-chromosome markers, the dead fetus was proved to be the son of the killer father. Conclusions: Autosomal STR multiplex analysis combined with Y-STR analysis help to reach a conclusion in disputed paternity cases with greater confidence.