A look at Forensics

§Microbial forensics is the detection of reliably measured molecular variations between related microbial strains and their use to infer the origin, relationships, or transmission route of a particular isolate.

This approach is similar to a human's unique genetic features, which makes it possible for DNA to be used as molecular fingerprints and evidence. However, the ultimate value of such information depends on the ability to compare an individual DNA sample against many others. The same powerful approach also applies to bioagent forensics.

At present, enough data exists to conclude that most if not all bioagents (being bacteria and viruses) can be uniquely identified by genetic analyses, with one cautionary point to keep in mind. Certain bioagents have faster mutation rates than others and thereby exhibit a greater range of genetic variations, which makes then more amenable to tracing their origins.

An example of how microbial forensic works is a bacteria like Anthrax, which posses hundreds to thousands of sites, or hot spots, where their DNA exhibits variations. The overall pattern and frequency of such variations can be used to differentiate one strain from another, distinguish one sample from another, and measure the relatedness of one sample to another. A smaller number of variations between two samples is indicative of closer relations. Also, like human DNA, the analysis of more variable sites in anthrax DNA leads to more reliable fingerprints and evidence.

Bioterrorism Forensic Capabilities
General Information on Bioterrorist Agents
There are a number of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that pose a serious health concern to humans, threaten the U.S. agriculture economy and food supplies and the environment. The use of these pathogenic agents as a biological weapon have been demonstrated. The post 9/11 anthrax letters is a prime example of a bioterrorist attack This event demonstrated how easily a bioterrorist attack can overwhelm the public health system It costs about $1 million to kill one person with a nuclear weapon, about $1,000 to kill one person with a chemical weapon and about $1 to kill one person with a biological weapon Because of the low cost and minimal infrastructure needed to carry out bioattacks, future attacks cannot be ruled out. To learn more about possible bioagents go to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
What if there is a bioterrorist attack?
If an incident were to occur, there needs to be a way to rapidly and efficiently identify all facilities (if any) that legitimately hold a specific pathogen, the specific genetic profile of that pathogen being held at the facilities, and the individuals who have access to that pathogen. This can be done through the creation of a national database of pathogens, pathogen profiles and individuals authorized to have access to these profiles. A database would allow public health advisors to rule out any possibilities of bioengineered agents. The national database would provide detailed analyses overnight, which is necessary in order to implement an optimal emergency response plan. This database can be created through what is called microbial forensics.
What is Microbial Forensics?
§Microbial forensics is the detection of reliably measured molecular variations between related microbial strains and their use to infer the origin, relationships, or transmission route of a particular isolate. § This approach is similar to a human's unique genetic features, which makes it possible for DNA to be used as molecular fingerprints and evidence. However, the ultimate value of such information depends on the ability to compare an individual DNA sample against many others. The same powerful approach also applies to bioagent forensics. At present, enough data exists to conclude that most if not all bioagents (being bacteria and viruses) can be uniquely identified by genetic analyses, with one cautionary point to keep in mind. Certain bioagents have faster mutation rates than others and thereby exhibit a greater range of genetic variations, which makes then more amenable to tracing their origins. An example of how microbial forensic works is a bacteria like Anthrax, which posses hundreds to thousands of sites, or hot spots, where their DNA exhibits variations. The overall pattern and frequency of such variations can be used to differentiate one strain from another, distinguish one sample from another, and measure the relatedness of one sample to another. A smaller number of variations between two samples is indicative of closer relations. Also, like human DNA, the analysis of more variable sites in anthrax DNA leads to more reliable fingerprints and evidence.
A Database Would Enhance Homeland & National Security by:
Improving the means to prevent, deter, & react to bioattacks Strengthening criminal investigations and prosecution efforts for the law enforcement community Helping to ensure the safety and readiness of troops stationed throughout the world Helping develop new vaccines and drugs Effecting legally and politically defensible capabilities to collect, analyze, interpret, and preserve evidence against illicit biological programs and events Providing rapid and complete information on bioattacks and thereby saving lives by expediting effective remedies and therapies