X
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
theAsianparent Philippines Logo
EnglishFilipino
Product GuideSign in
  • Building a BakuNation
  • Becoming a Parent
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Pregnancy
    • Delivery
    • Losing a Baby
    • Project Sidekicks
  • Ages & Stages
    • Baby
    • Toddler Years
    • Preschool Age
    • Kids
    • Preteen & Teen
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • News
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Health & Wellness
    • Diseases & Injuries
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Preschool
    • K-12
    • Special Education Needs
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Celebrities
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Home
    • Travel and Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
    • Wellness
    • Money
  • Become a VIP
  • COVID-19
  • Press Room
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Awards
    • Parents' Choice Awards 2023

Man failed paternity test because his twin was the father

27 Oct, 2017

A 34-year-old man in Washington reportedly failed a paternity test because of the extra genes he absorbed while in the womb, which belonged to his twin who was never even born.

Because of this, the DNA in his sperm didn’t match that of his saliva, meaning his unborn twin was technically the father of his child, because the DNA in his sperm was his. Doctors diagnosed him with Chimerism. Doctors made the discovery because of a genetic ancestry test, which showed that the man was a human chimera.

apert syndrome

photo: Fotolia

What is Chimerism?

Chimerism happens as a result of the fusing together of two fertilized eggs during the first few hours of life in the womb. Though we rarely hear of this disorder, scientists claim it’s fairly common.

1 in 8 single pregnancies start out as multiple ones, meaning that there are quite a number of human beings who were supposed to be born with twins or as part of triplets.

Back in 2002, a similar case happened to a woman in Boston. When Karen Keegan was in need of a kidney transplant, they found out that none of her kids were fitting donors, as their DNA belonged to their mother’s dead twin.

Previous studies claim that a minor form of chimerism can happen to pregnant women had fetal cells in their tissue, due to absorption from the uterus to the blood and various organs. These cells were believed to be able to stay in their bodies long after they had given birth.

sources: Independent, Medicinet, Nature.com, Scientific American

READ: Men’s weight affects genes passed on by sperm, shows study

Partner Stories
This Mommy Welfare Month, Absolute Gives Back The Love to Moms #SelfLoveIsBabyLove
This Mommy Welfare Month, Absolute Gives Back The Love to Moms #SelfLoveIsBabyLove
3 Amazing Possible Stories that will leave you smiling, crying, and inspired
3 Amazing Possible Stories that will leave you smiling, crying, and inspired
Motherhood away from home
Motherhood away from home
Bathing is bonding with Cetaphil Baby
Bathing is bonding with Cetaphil Baby

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Bianchi Mendoza

Become a Contributor

  • Home
  • /
  • News
  • /
  • Man failed paternity test because his twin was the father
Share:
  • REAL STORIES: "My dyslexic husband graduated after almost twenty years"

    REAL STORIES: "My dyslexic husband graduated after almost twenty years"

  • 2-days monthly menstrual leave filed by women’s party-list in the House

    2-days monthly menstrual leave filed by women’s party-list in the House

  • ‘I was meant to have you’: Pregnant Singaporean mum, 29, delays cancer treatment for sake of unborn baby

    ‘I was meant to have you’: Pregnant Singaporean mum, 29, delays cancer treatment for sake of unborn baby

  • REAL STORIES: "My dyslexic husband graduated after almost twenty years"

    REAL STORIES: "My dyslexic husband graduated after almost twenty years"

  • 2-days monthly menstrual leave filed by women’s party-list in the House

    2-days monthly menstrual leave filed by women’s party-list in the House

  • ‘I was meant to have you’: Pregnant Singaporean mum, 29, delays cancer treatment for sake of unborn baby

    ‘I was meant to have you’: Pregnant Singaporean mum, 29, delays cancer treatment for sake of unborn baby

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Baby Names
    • Delivery
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Advice for Parenting Kids
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Lifestyle Section
    • Local celebs
    • Celebrities
    • Money
    • News
  • FAMILY & HOME
    • Couples
    • Weekend & Holiday Guide
    • Health
  • Building a BakuNation
    • More
      • TAP Community
      • Advertise With Us
      • Contact Us
      • Become a Contributor


    • Singapore flag Singapore
    • Thailand flag Thailand
    • Indonesia flag Indonesia
    • Philippines flag Philippines
    • Malaysia flag Malaysia
    • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
    • India flag India
    • Vietnam flag Vietnam
    • Australia flag Australia
    • Japan flag Japan
    • Nigeria flag Nigeria
    • Kenya flag Kenya
    © Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
    About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
    • Tools
    • Articles
    • Feed
    • Poll

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

    theAsianparent heart icon
    Nais naming magpadala ng notification sa'yo tungkol sa latest news at lifestyle update.