Forensic Science International: Genetics
Volume 6, Issue 1 , Pages 121-123, January 2012

An unusual case of identification by DNA analysis of siblings

  • Franz Neuhuber

      Affiliations

    • Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Salzburg, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, A-5020, Austria
    • F. Neuhuber and M.P. Baur contributed equally to this manuscript.
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Tel.: +43 662 8044 3823; fax: +43 662 8044 3834.
    • ,
  • Max P. Baur

      Affiliations

    • Institute for Medical Biometry, Informatics and Epidemiology, University of Bonn, Germany
    • F. Neuhuber and M.P. Baur contributed equally to this manuscript.
    • ,
  • Jan Cemper-Kiesslich

      Affiliations

    • Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Salzburg, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, A-5020, Austria
    • ,
  • Bettina Dunkelmann

      Affiliations

    • Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Salzburg, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, A-5020, Austria
    • ,
  • Fabio Monticelli

      Affiliations

    • Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Salzburg, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, A-5020, Austria

Received 28 October 2010; received in revised form 14 February 2011; accepted 21 February 2011. published online 28 March 2011.

Abstract 

A badly decomposed body required identification by means of DNA analysis. A brother and sister of the deceased were available as reference subjects. Although investigation of Y-chromosomal markers established an exclusion condition, autosomal markers suggested a positive identification. In order to increase the reliability of the tests, X-chromosomal markers were also investigated. This analysis showed the body to have an XXY genotype (Klinefelter's syndrome). A number of hypotheses were assessed using biostatistical methods, ultimately resulting in a definite identification. The special aspect of Klinefelter's syndrome proved highly useful for biostatistical analysis.

Keywords: Forensic identification, Klinefelter syndrome, Biostatistics, Complex pedigree analysis

 

PII: S1872-4973(11)00042-1

doi:10.1016/j.fsigen.2011.02.006

Forensic Science International: Genetics
Volume 6, Issue 1 , Pages 121-123, January 2012

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