Modification of a human DNA extraction protocol to mitigate operator risk when analyzing human DNA evidence contaminated with risk group 3 bacteria

Hause, Christine

doi:10.22215/etd/2007-08083

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 33 publications

(51 reference statements)

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“…Unexpectedly, success in profiling was highest in the samples incubated the longest, suggesting that there may be some amplification occurring from bacterial DNA. This is consistent with an observation that Y. pestis DNA produced positive STR amplification in a separate set of experiments (41). Both the quantity and quality of human DNA extracted from samples incubated with B. anthracis spores were compromised, and this was most marked for blood samples of smaller volumes.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

Elimination of Bioweapons Agents from Forensic Samples During Extraction of Human DNA

Timbers

Wilkinson

Hause

et al. 2014

Journal of Forensic Sciences

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Collection of DNA for genetic profiling is a powerful means for the identification of individuals responsible for crimes and terrorist acts. Biologic hazards, such as bacteria, endospores, toxins, and viruses, could contaminate sites of terrorist activities and thus could be present in samples collected for profiling. The fate of these hazards during DNA isolation has not been thoroughly examined. Our goals were to determine whether the DNA extraction process used by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police eliminates or neutralizes these agents and if not, to establish methods that render samples safe without compromising the human DNA. Our results show that bacteria, viruses, and toxins were reduced to undetectable levels during DNA extraction, but endospores remained viable. Filtration of samples after DNA isolation eliminated viable spores from the samples but left DNA intact. We also demonstrated that contamination of samples with some bacteria, endospores, and toxins for longer than 1 h compromised the ability to complete genetic profiling.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%