Abstract
mRNA profiling is a promising new method for the identification of body fluids from
biological stains. Major advantages of mRNA profiling are the possibility of detecting
several body fluids in one multiplex reaction and of simultaneously isolating DNA
without loss of material. A reverse transcription endpoint polymerase chain reaction
(PCR) method and a realtime PCR assay were established for the identification of blood,
saliva, semen, vaginal secretions and menstrual blood, and were compared to conventional
enzymatic and immunologic tests. The results for specificity, sensitivity and suitability
to biological stains were satisfying and mRNA stability was demonstrated for up to
2-year-old stains. Two novel multiplex assays were created with the endpoint PCR primers:
multiplex 1 amplifies two markers for each of the above mentioned body fluids and
is suited for screening; multiplex 2 was designed for the detection of blood, vaginal
secretions and menstrual blood. The results demonstrate that both endpoint PCR and
realtime PCR are suitable for the identification of body fluids in forensic stains
and represent an effective alternative to conventional enzymatic and immunologic tests.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: December 29, 2008
Accepted:
November 14,
2008
Received in revised form:
October 24,
2008
Received:
June 13,
2008
Identification
Copyright
© 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
