title: Genetics and attribution issues that confront the microbial forensics field.
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.
authors.affiliation: FBI Laboratory, 2501 Investigation Parkway, Quantico, VA 22135, USA. bruce.budowle@ic.fbi.gov
authors.forename: Bruce
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Budowle
mesh_terms: D023482:Bioterrorism; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006801:Humans; D008828:Microbiological Techniques; D008829:Microbiology
chemical_list: D004269:DNA, Bacterial