The twins had their DNA tested after their family noticed
they looked different. The occurrence, known as heteropaternal
superfecundation, is rare with few publicly known about.
they looked different. The occurrence, known as heteropaternal
superfecundation, is rare with few publicly known about.
It happens when a woman’s eggs are fertilised by two men
within a short period of time.
within a short period of time.
Professor Le Dinh Luong, president of the Hanoi-based
Vietnam Genetic Association which did the DNA testing, said the results were
“100% correct” in what he called “an extremely rare case”.
Vietnam Genetic Association which did the DNA testing, said the results were
“100% correct” in what he called “an extremely rare case”.
“There are only less than 10 known cases of twins with
different fathers in the world. There might be other cases but the parents
and/or the twins were not aware of it or didn’t want to announce it.”
different fathers in the world. There might be other cases but the parents
and/or the twins were not aware of it or didn’t want to announce it.”
He declined to give further details citing client confidentiality.
Vietnamese news outlets began reporting on the case earlier
this month, saying that relatives had noticed that one of the twins looked
markedly different from its sibling and parents.
this month, saying that relatives had noticed that one of the twins looked
markedly different from its sibling and parents.
A similar case occurred in the US in 2015 which involved twin
girls, making it the 3rd to occur in the US. Turkish media also reported a similar case in
2010 involving twin boys. What an instance!
girls, making it the 3rd to occur in the US. Turkish media also reported a similar case in
2010 involving twin boys. What an instance!
Note:
What is heteropaternal superfecundation? ‘Superfecundation’
refers to the fertilisation of multiple eggs from separate acts of intercourse,
and ‘heteropaternal’ means they are fertilised by more than one father.
refers to the fertilisation of multiple eggs from separate acts of intercourse,
and ‘heteropaternal’ means they are fertilised by more than one father.
It can happen when a woman produces multiple eggs in one
ovulation period and they are fertilised by different men within a few days
ovulation period and they are fertilised by different men within a few days
It can also happen if a woman ovulates twice within a short
period of time and both eggs are fertilised by different men.
period of time and both eggs are fertilised by different men.
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