Microbial Forensics
Definition
The application of molecular biology, genomics, and population genetics to attribution questions in cases involving microorganisms, toxins, or biological agents used in crime or terrorism. Distinguished from clinical microbiology by the requirement for chain-of-custody evidence handling and court-grade reporting.
Related terms
- Morphotype
- A phytolith shape class defined by the geometry of the silica body: bilobate, cross-shaped, saddle-shaped, elongate, dendritic, and so on. Individual morphotypes...
- Multi-Locus Sequence Typing (MLST)
- Species-level and strain-level characterisation using DNA sequences from five to seven conserved housekeeping genes. Provides higher resolution than 16S rRNA alone and...
- NBFAC
- National Bioforensic Analysis Center, Fort Detrick, Maryland. Established 2004 as the US federal government's primary bioforensics reference laboratory for biological evidence in...
- Phylogenetic Proximity
- The principle in viral forensics that transmission between individuals is supported when their viral sequences cluster together in a phylogenetic tree separately...
- RMR-1029
- The reference material repository flask at USAMRIID Fort Detrick that was identified as the probable source material for the 2001 anthrax letters,...
- Select Agent
- A biological agent or toxin designated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and USDA as posing a severe public...
Explained in
- Microbial Forensics: Anthrax Letters and Biothreat AttributionThe application of molecular biology, genomics, and population genetics to attribution questions in cases involving microorganisms, toxins, or biological agent...