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Public health. Building microbial forensics as a response to bioterrorism
Bruce Budowle1, Steven E Schutzer, Anja Einseln
1Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laboratory Division, Quantico, VA 22135, USA. bbudowle@fbi.gov
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 27, 2003
Summary
Microbial forensics is a new U.S. Government discipline to combat bioterrorism by deterring and attributing perpetrators. Key foundations include a national lab, a partner network, and scientific working groups with quality guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Forensic Science
- Biosecurity
Background:
- Bioterrorism presents a significant global security challenge.
- Proactive measures are essential to deter and respond to biological threats.
- Attribution of bioterrorism acts requires specialized scientific capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the foundational elements of the U.S. microbial forensics program.
- To describe the strategy for establishing a national bioforensic capability.
- To highlight the importance of quality assurance in microbial forensics.
Main Methods:
- Establishment of a national bioforensic laboratory.
- Development of a partnership laboratory network.
- Formation of a peer-consensus scientific working group.
Main Results:
- Formalization of the discipline of microbial forensics by the U.S. Government.
- Creation of essential infrastructure for bioforensic analysis.
- Development of quality assurance guidelines for the field.
Conclusions:
- The microbial forensics program provides a framework for addressing bioterrorism threats.
- A coordinated national approach enhances the ability to deter and attribute perpetrators.
- Standardized guidelines are crucial for the reliability and validity of microbial forensic investigations.
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