title: Evidence that "vaginal peptidase" is a bacterial gene product.
abstract: A peptidase has been described in vaginal samples, termed "vaginal peptidase." This enzyme has been proposed as a tissue specific marker for vaginal debris. We have explored the presence of this enzyme in vaginal swabs from alleged sexual assault victims and volunteer donors as well as bacterial cultures. These studies reveal that "vaginal peptidase" is composed of a family of peptidase isozymes that originate from several bacterial species. The characterization of "vaginal peptidase" as a tissue specific marker for vaginal debris is premature.
authors.forename: E T
authors.initials: ET
authors.lastname: Blake
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Cook
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Bashinski
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000201:enzymology*; D004587:Electrophoresis, Agar Gel; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases / Q000032:analysis*; D011902:Rape; D012661:Semen / Q000201:enzymology; D014621:Vagina / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000382:microbiology; D015014:Yogurt / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D010447:Peptide Hydrolases