Phylogenetic Proximity
Definition
The principle in viral forensics that transmission between individuals is supported when their viral sequences cluster together in a phylogenetic tree separately from community strains, rather than being randomly distributed. Established as a forensic tool in the 1990 Florida HIV dental case.
Related terms
- Microbial Forensics
- The application of molecular biology, genomics, and population genetics to attribution questions in cases involving microorganisms, toxins, or biological agents used in...
- 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...
- 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 principle in viral forensics that transmission between individuals is supported when their viral sequences cluster together in a phylogenetic tree separate...