TY - CHAP
T1 - Microbial Forensics
AU - Budowle, Bruce
AU - Wilson, Mark R.
AU - Burans, James P.
AU - Breeze, Roger G.
AU - Chakraborty, Ranajit
N1 - Funding Information:
Information is the key to thwart terrorism and may be our best defense. Databases are required to have ready access to information. For a database to be effective, it must contain the appropriate data entry items, and the data must be retrievable. With proper planning, meaningful and useful databases can be developed. The database(s) criteria need to be defined, and SWGMGF is taking on this function as well. Criteria fields for information databases under consideration are: multi-agency threat lists (virus, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, insects, toxins), recognizing synonyms, strain data and virulence, vaccine strains, DNA sequences (whole genomic and partial), bio-engineering events, biomarkers, organism sources (laboratory, geographic, and natural), national experts and contact information, laboratory facilities, assays, scientific presentations, literature references and full text, research grants, characteristics (e.g., microscopic morphology, colony morphology), antibiotic resistance, natural transmission, viability (e.g., aerosol, liquid), materials found with microorganisms (e.g., manufacturing process residue/metabolites, culture media, additives for processing, additives for stability), methods of manufacture, handling, packaging, shipping, sources for materials, environmental incidentals (e.g., pollen, fungi), historical outbreaks, known instances of threats or usage, hoaxes, epidemiology, strain and disease history, disease symptoms, dissemination strategies, dispersal strategies, methods for investigation prior to an event, and links to other databases. The Bioforensics Demonstration and Application Project supported by the Department of Energy (DOE) is developing a National Bioforensic Information Encyclopedia and National Bioforensic Evidence Database through the efforts of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and Northern Arizona University. This effort is coordinating with the SWGMGF to set criteria and functionalities. Obviously, the diversity of data entry items in such databases makes it essential that such databases include heteroformatic components and a relational structure (with appropriate links), in which all of the information on any specific record may not physically reside together. Therefore, one task of the database subgroup of the SWGMGF is also to define and suggest research and development needs for bioinformatic tools of suitable search engines for data retrieval in user-friendly platforms.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
PY - 2005/1/1
Y1 - 2005/1/1
N2 - This chapter reflects the threat of existence and potential usage of bioweapons elaborating upon the history, programs, epidemiology, tools, bioinformatics and genetics of microbial forensics. Science plays an important role in criminal investigation, and microbial forensic science continues to assist in solving crimes by characterizing physical evidence found at a crime scene. Advances in technology will develop better treatments and therapies for many microbial diseases that affect humans, animals, and plants. However, technology can be misused to challenge the national and international security by using pathogens or toxins as weapons. In forensics, the crime scene is recognized and secured to preserve the quality of the evidence. Vigilance is necessary to detect the use of bioweapons. The chapter also stresses on educational efforts as a key to disease surveillance and appropriate public response to a disease outbreak, whether it is intentional or natural. By developing a robust microbial forensics field supported by the Bio forensic Analysis Center (BFAC), a developed knowledge base, integration of government; academic; and private sector institutions, and the standing working group— Scientific Working Group on Microbial Genetics and Forensics (SWGMGF), the global society can overcome the challenge of bioterrorism.
AB - This chapter reflects the threat of existence and potential usage of bioweapons elaborating upon the history, programs, epidemiology, tools, bioinformatics and genetics of microbial forensics. Science plays an important role in criminal investigation, and microbial forensic science continues to assist in solving crimes by characterizing physical evidence found at a crime scene. Advances in technology will develop better treatments and therapies for many microbial diseases that affect humans, animals, and plants. However, technology can be misused to challenge the national and international security by using pathogens or toxins as weapons. In forensics, the crime scene is recognized and secured to preserve the quality of the evidence. Vigilance is necessary to detect the use of bioweapons. The chapter also stresses on educational efforts as a key to disease surveillance and appropriate public response to a disease outbreak, whether it is intentional or natural. By developing a robust microbial forensics field supported by the Bio forensic Analysis Center (BFAC), a developed knowledge base, integration of government; academic; and private sector institutions, and the standing working group— Scientific Working Group on Microbial Genetics and Forensics (SWGMGF), the global society can overcome the challenge of bioterrorism.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84882542598&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/B978-012088483-4/50004-4
DO - 10.1016/B978-012088483-4/50004-4
M3 - Chapter
AN - SCOPUS:84882542598
SP - 1
EP - 25
BT - Microbial Forensics
PB - Elsevier
ER -