The Incidence of Superfecundation and of Double Paternity in the General Population

Abstract

It is estimated that at least one dizygotic (DZ) twin maternity in twelve is preceded by superfecundation (the fertilization of two ova by sperm from different coitions). Presumably this parameter varies from population to population eg. with coital rates and rates of double ovulation. Sometimes superfecundation occurs by two different men. The frequency with which this occurs must depend on rates of infidelity (promiscuity). It is suggested that among DZ twins born to married white women in the U.S., about one pair in 400 is bipaternal. The incidence may be substantially higher in small selected groups of dizygotic twin maternities, eg. those of women engaged in prostitution.

Paternity Cases Within a Medicolegal Context: a Case Study of Heteropaternal Superfecundation in Iraq

“…This scenario was found as a cause of dizygotic twin maternities in a study by James [12]. He found that the incidence of paternal superfecundation may be substantially higher in small selected groups of dizygotic twin maternities involving women engaged in prostitution.…”

Indisputable double paternity in dizygous twins

“…However, according to James (6), heteropaternal superfecundation in small selected population groups may be substantially higher than the occurrence in the general population. In some groups, there may be higher a priori probabilities of there being two fathers.…”

Case report: a black and white twin

“…In Africa, 1 in 22 to 35 people carries a gene for albinism and 1 in 2000 to 5000 people actually is an albino. 2,3 Case A 22-year-old healthy primigravida of Negroid origin spontaneously conceived a dichorial diamniotic twin (confirmed by pathology examination of the placenta). Pregnancy was uneventful until she was admitted at 40 weeks of gestation with preeclampsia.…”

“…Reports suggest that the frequency of heteropaternity is underestimated, as the incidence of heteropaternity depends on promiscuity in the population and the extent of performing DNA analyses. [1][2][3][4] Additional medical history has revealed that the mother and the biological father of the twins are of Congolese origin, and that they both have a Negroid appearance. The mother firmly stated not having had another partner at the time of the conception.…”