FORENSIC MICROBIOLOGY

Forensic microbiology involves the study of microorganisms with an aim of identifying the cause of an outbreak; usually involves the origin of a particular strain of biological weapon. Anthrax is a bacterial zoonotic infection that affects human beings (susceptible human hosts); it is classified under direct zoonoses. The infection is caused by a bacteria referred to as Bacillus anthracis, which is harboured in animals’ by- products and waste products. Also the bacteria can be found in bones, wool, hair and spills of blood from affected animals. In 2001, anthrax was used as a biological weapon. More than 20 people contracted anthrax from spores mailed that year, causing death of 5 people. A new field of study; Microbial forensics, conducted the investigations applying molecular biology and microbiology techniques. Today, a Medical Microbiologist is allowed to pertake forensic investigations that involve microbial analysis; this has driven me to take my time and pertake a research on Forensic Microbiology.

Comrades!!! All your items (e.g. clothes, shoes and cell phone) have something referred to as microbial ‘signatures’ which help forensic experts to trace your movements; with an aim of finding your location. Bacteria found on human skin shapes the microbial ecology of our homes, offices, hospitals etc.; which is made possible by the things we touch in our day to day activities. The strains of bacteria exchanged from the human population to their environment are studied and analyzed critically by forensic scientists; to identify suspects involved in criminal investigations. Moving from your mansionette to your neighbour’s home vicinity leads to a highly detectable shift in a community of microbes sourced from your shoes. This is basically achieved by the fact that Forensic Epidemiology specialists will study the colony of bacteria in your mansionette and its environs as well as that of your neighbour. The study is followed by a deep - seated analytical comparison of colonies obtained in the two vicinities (yours and that of your neighbour), identifying any form of strains that may have shifted from any of the environs. In addition, the bacteria exchange between the human population and their immediate environ, may involve infectious microbes. These microbes reach the susceptible human host (man) through fomite transmission, leading to infections. Medical Microbiologists undertake microbial identification and counting from samples obtained from suspects, in order to help the forensic scientists with their work.

Forensic science is a fun world it brings all scientists to work together, under one umbrella, with an aim of conducting criminal investigations. This dawned on me when I visited Government Chemist, located in Nairobi, Kenya; for wine toxicology sampling. My eyes were almost blinded by the reflection of golden shiny name tags pinned on white glaring lab coats, which were worn and buttoned – up to the neck by various scientists, who walked confidently on the corridors of the various labs probably assigned to them according to their prestigious titles. Their hands were covered with dark blue gloves which were extended to their wrists and glued on their lab coat’s cuff links, by the elastic force. The scientists walking into the Biochemistry Laboratory, which was located near the clients’ sample collection unit, had covered their eyes with crystal – clear laboratory goggles. Their noses were covered with aqua - blue nose muffs that extended from the end of their goggles to past their chins, where the margin of the nose muff rested on the lab coats which tightly covered their necks. Truly, their attire code resembled those of much coveted surgeons walking into a theatre room for a heart transplant. This spectacular view of diligent scientists sweating out due to their passion which entailed hard sciences, made me to visit Dennis Kariuki Manyara; my bedmate back in High School, at Kenyatta University (Nairobi, Kenya), where he pursues Bachelor of Science (Forensic Science). My interaction with him revealed to me that a Medical Microbiologists could investigate persons who intentionally infect others with HIV / AIDS; In forensics this act is referred to as use of biological weapon (i.e. HIV /AIDS) to cause harm to others. This is achieved by reconstruction of the history of the virus that leads to HIV. I marveled a little and thought, what a great career of being a Medical Microbiologist. “Thanks!! Dennis; if you are reading this article, I pay homage to you; you are the best bruh!!”

My esteemed audience I have reached at the climax of my well researched article, that focuses mainly on Forensic science and how it is related to Medical Microbiology. Thanks for reading, see you next time.