Forensic Microbiology

The field of forensic science has obtained notoriety due, in part, to several sensational court cases, such as the murder trial of O. J. Simpson and the involuntary manslaughter conviction trial of Michael Jackson's physician, Conrad Murray, which captured national attention. In addition, although their roles are not always adequately portrayed, several modern television programs have brought to life the roles forensic scientists play in the criminal justice system. Forensic science encompasses many different areas. Most people are aware of DNA analysis, toxicology, fingerprint comparison, and ballistics, to mention a few. A newer area of forensic science is forensic microbiology. A landmark event in U.S. history, the Bacillus anthracis bioterrorism event in 2001, brought this field of science to the forefront. Forensic microbiology had been practiced before the anthrax event, and forensic microbiology involves more than just bioterror. This article discusses some of the roles that microbiology plays in forensic science.