A Review of Forensic Microbes in Crime Investigations

Abstract

Advances in genetic sequencing technology, enhanced microbiological sample methods, and rapidly developing approaches in bioinformatics have all contributed to the meteoric emergence of microbiomics and metagenomics. Humans harbour vast microbial communities, both internally and outside, that are constantly exchanging information with and shaping their environs. These interactions may be crucial to forensics because information about them can be gleaned from human and environmental microbial profiles. Over the reports of hundred studies, as metagenome markers in forensic science is an emerging field of forensic science, microbiomes has a greater chance of becoming a specific tool kit for forensic science to provide answers for personal identification, cause and manner of death, interpretation of PMI and geolocation of a suspect or accused. Although the application of microbiomics to forensics has been extensively studied, most of its potential remains untapped because of insufficient sample numbers, inaccurate models, and unrepresentative experimental conditions. Law enforcement agencies are unlikely to benefit from the limited microbiomics data that is currently available. However, efforts are being made to find solutions to these problems, and evidence gleaned from the microbiome may one day aid in forensic investigations. Until more is learned about microbiomics, it is unlikely that this information will be useful to law enforcement. However, efforts are being made to find solutions to these problems, and it is possible that evidence gleaned from the microbiome can one day aid in forensic investigations.