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Published on: March 9, 2015
Genetic analysis and attribution of microbial forensics evidence
Bruce Budowle1, Martin D Johnson, Claire M Fraser
1FBI Laboratory, Quantico, Virginia 22135, USA. bruce.budowle@ic.fbi.gov
Critical Reviews in Microbiology
|January 19, 2006
Summary
Microbial forensics analyzes microbial evidence to identify sources of bioterrorism or biocrimes. Advanced nucleic acid analysis, including whole genome sequencing, enhances attribution capabilities for microbial evidence.
Area of Science:
- Microbial Forensics
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Biocrime and bioterrorism pose a persistent threat due to the accessibility of pathogenic microorganisms.
- Effective forensic exploitation and interpretation of microbial evidence are crucial for attribution.
- Microbial forensics is an emerging field dedicated to analyzing evidence from intentional or accidental microbial releases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of microbial forensics in addressing biocrime and bioterrorism threats.
- To emphasize the role of nucleic acid analysis in attributing microbial evidence.
- To discuss the genetic markers and technologies utilized in microbial forensic investigations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of nucleic acids for microbial evidence characterization and interpretation.
- Examination of various genetic markers, including single nucleotide polymorphisms, repetitive sequences, and virulence genes.
- Application of nucleic acid-based typing technologies such as PCR, MLST, MLVA, and whole genome sequencing.
Main Results:
- Attribution capabilities are dependent on case context, microbial genetics, and applied technologies.
- A wide array of genetic features and markers inform statistical inferences in microbial forensics.
- Diverse molecular technologies enable robust analysis of microbial evidence.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced capabilities in microbial forensics are essential for combating biocrime and bioterrorism.
- Nucleic acid-based analyses are fundamental to associating or eliminating microbial samples for attribution.
- Continued research and technological advancement in microbial forensics are vital for national security.
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