PCR based method for sex estimation from bone samples of unidentified South African fetal remains

Fragmentary bone in disaster victim identification is reliant on a robust and objective method. Current methods employing traditional phenotypic analysis for sex estimation of forensic fetal remains are limited and often not possible due to the lack of distinctive cranial and pelvic traits. Thus, a molecular sex estimation method optimized for bone samples would enhance current techniques. Sternal rib samples were dissected from unclaimed perinatal decedents, presenting at varied stages of decomposition and unconfirmed circumstances of death, who were admitted to the Johannesburg Forensic Pathology Service (JFPS) and included in the Johannesburg Forensic Paediatric Collection (JFPC). A molecular protocol was designed and optimized using genomic DNA from SW480 cells and five individuals of unknown provenance and known sex (estimated during medicolegal autopsy) by targeting the X-linked G6PD and Y-linked SRY genes. The sex estimated at autopsy was confirmed using the optimized protocol. Nine (9) unidentified individuals were included and assigned sex based on the method described. The development of a sex typing protocol targeting the G6PD and SRY loci provides a new PCR method for sex estimation of human remains from 25 mg of bone fragment.