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Genetics and attribution issues that confront the microbial forensics field.

Bruce Budowle
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Abstract

The commission of an act of bioterrorism or biocrime is a real concern for law enforcement and society. Efforts are underway to develop a strong microbial forensic program to assist in identifying perpetrators of acts of bioterrorism and biocrimes, as well as serve as a deterrent for those who might commit such illicit acts. Genetic analyses of microbial organisms will likely be a powerful tool for attribution of criminal acts. There are some similarities to forensic human DNA analysis practices, such as: molecular biology technology, use of population databases, qualitative conclusions of test results, and the application of QA/QC practices. Differences include: database size and composition, statistical interpretation methods, and confidence/uncertainty in the outcome of an interpretation.

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BioterrorismDNA, BacterialForensic MedicineHumansMicrobiological TechniquesMicrobiologyJournal Article

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BibTeXRIS

Bruce Budowle. 2004-12-02. Genetics and attribution issues that confront the microbial forensics field.. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2004.09.058

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