Essentials of Microbiology in Forensic Medicine

ABSTRACT

Forensic microbiology as an evolving field in forensic medicine, is a scientific discipline dedicated to analyzing evidence from a bioterrorism act, biocrime through the study of microorganisms in order to determine the path of an outbreak, the identity of a criminal or the origin of a particular strain of biological weapon or contagion (Budowle et al., 2006). The involvement of microbiology in forensic medicine is known as “microbial

forensics” and its processings involves the sample collection and storage in the crime scene (a major aspect in forensics), sample processing  techniques such as  the use of  restriction endonucleases for cutting  of DNA

precisely, PCR amplification  for increasing  the number of copies of  a certain  genome, Electrophoresis  to separate fragments, hybridization probes to locate specific loci and alleles and southern blotting for producing a

visible record and the maintenance of  sterile conditions in the laboratory (Gordon et al., 2003). 

Forensic microbiology laboratory for evidence analysis is important because several microorganism have been

seen to play crucial role in determining the path of an outbreak, the identity of a criminal or the origin of a particular strain of biological weapon or contagion. Organisms such as variola major virus (smallpox), Bacillus

anthracis  (anthrax), Yersinia pestis  (plague), Clostridium botulinum toxin (botulism), Francisella tularensis (tularemia), and viral hemorrhagic fever virus are some of the agents considered as most dangerous in forensic

microbiology because some of them can produce potent toxins, easily disseminated and spread from person to person, causes high mortality rates,  public panic and social disruption (Cummings et al., 2002)

Although microbial forensics have some challenges that reduces its efficiencies which are poor collection of samples from attack scenes, fast mutation rate of the microorganisms, poor analysis of the samples and the

validation of quality control and quality assurance of the processes in the laboratory but through carefulness and appropriate checks and approach  put in place, these challenges would be minimal (Budowle et al., 2003).

Looking at the activities of microbiology in forensic medicine, it is an indispensable field as about 75% of the work done in forensic medicine is done by microbiologist, which helps to differentiate among natural outbreaks, biocrimes or bioterrorism and also which provide evidence of sufficient quality to support legal proceedings and the development of government policies.