Traces of DNA from former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn have been found on the clothes of a chambermaid who accused him of sexual assault, NBC television reported on Monday.

The DNA was found on the shirt of the 32-year-old worker at the Sofitel who has accused Strauss-Kahn of attempting to rape her, the report said.

The France 2 television channel reported on its website that the DNA samples found on the maid's shirt collar were Strauss-Kahn's sperm.

The French politician has denied sex assault charges made against him. New York police and the District Attorney's office refused to comment on the media reports.

NBC said DNA testing on other evidence from the hotel suite used by Strauss-Kahn is continuing.

France 2 said that samples were taken from the toilet where the woman said she spat after being forced to perform oral sex, on the room carpet and on the maid's shirt collar.

The presence of sperm could prove a sexual act, but not whether there was violence, experts have stressed.

Strauss-Kahn was arrested on May 14, a few hours after the alleged attack, as he was on an Air France jet about to fly to Paris.

While prosecutors have said they are building up a "strong" case, defence lawyers say Strauss-Kahn will plead not guilty and they expect him to be cleared.

- AFP/de