Application of the Human Virome to Touched Objects and Hair Shafts
This proposal is designed to address the ongoing need to create forensically relevant linkages between persons, places, and objects by developing the heretofore untapped potential of the human viral microbiome (virome). The human virome is a source of rich genetic diversity that needs to be examined to determine if it is stable, transferable, and provides a sufficient power of discrimination to be used as an alternative to traditional human forensic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) tests when conditions are not suitable for them. The human bacterial microbiome is already being examined as an alternative method for human identification in forensically relevant cases. There is currently a complete lack of empirical data on the human virome with regard to its suitability to forensic applications. The proposed work will address this gap in our knowledge by generating data in the previously mentioned areas of stability, transfer, and discrimination as applied to various types of evidentiary material.