Microbial forensics identifies microbial agents, their origins and potential effects, presenting findings as legal and scientific evidence. It’s crucial for prosecuting biocrime and medical malpractice cases and requires a multidisciplinary approach. The process involves sample collection, agent identification, risk analysis, and validation. Basic entry-level qualifications include a degree in biology or microbiology, and a master’s degree covering forensic toxicology, forensic biology, prions and viruses, and bacterial studies is often required.
Microbial forensics is the practice of scientifically identifying microbial agents, their origins and potential effects, with the aim of presenting findings as legal and scientific evidence. This evidence is crucial to the successful prosecution of biocrime and medical malpractice cases. The process usually consists of sample collection, agent identification, risk analysis and validation. To successfully meet these requirements, microbial forensics requires the combination of several related disciplines, including microbial genomics and bioinformatics.
Definitive identification of biological threats, their source and the extent of potential risks involved is the first of the two main functions of microbial forensic investigation. The second is the presentation of results in a scientifically and legally defensible manner. The first function is critical from a containment perspective and can potentially save thousands of lives when biohazards are encountered. The second function is crucial to successfully identifying and prosecuting those responsible for the threat. Both functions collectively form the front line of defense against microbiological threats.
Microbial forensics is not just used in bioterrorism cases. Incidents of medical malpractice, accidental exposure, and natural biohazards can also benefit. However, identifying and positively linking biological agents to specific sources can be more complex and time-consuming than other forensic processes. Conclusively proving the origins of a biological attack or any other source of exposure requires a multidisciplinary approach. A typical investigation might include several associated areas of microbiology, such as microbial genomics, phylogenetics, and bioinformatics.
The microbial forensics process typically involves four steps. The first is the collection of samples from a place with suspected exposure. This needs to be done correctly to avoid compromising the integrity of the evidence. The second step is the positive identification of the microbial agent and its potential as a biological attack mechanism. The third step involves multidisciplinary analysis of the samples to establish exact genetic profiles for use in subsequent investigations. The last step is the validation of all analytical processes and methods to assimilate forensic evidence.
For those interested in entering the microbial forensics field, the commitment to education can be rigorous. Basic entry-level qualifications include a degree in biology or microbiology, covering the principles of virology, environmental microbiology, microbial genetics and microbiology. A master’s degree covering forensic toxicology, forensic biology, prions and viruses, and bacterial studies is often required. For those interested in the field at a teaching or medical level, a doctorate is required. Depending on their level of involvement, forensic microbiology students may be looking to invest between four and eleven years beyond the basic level.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
