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Determining Ideal Swab Type For Collection Of The Microbiome For Forensic Identification Purposes

Wise, Natalie Marie
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1616345112960545

Abstract Details

2021, Master of Science (MS), Bowling Green State University, Forensic Science.
Multiple studies have shown potential forensic applications of the human microbiome including as a unique identifier, to link cohabiting individuals, and to link a person to a location. The relative abundance of the microbiome shows potential for its use in cases where a usable DNA sample is not left behind. This study will seek to determine the optimal swab type for collection of the microbiome, or the collective term for all the microorganisms living on or within the human body. A bacterium, Proteus mirabilis, was deposited onto four swab types (cotton, nylon flocked, dental applicators, and dissolvable swabs). Extraction of the bacterial DNA was performed, followed by quantitation using real-time PCR. This allowed for determination of the absolute microbial DNA recovery and comparison of yields across the four swab types. This showed that the most microbial DNA was recovered from flocked swabs followed by dental, dissolvable and cotton. The best and worst performing swabs were then further evaluated for their efficiency at picking the P. mirabilis up off of various surfaces (wood, glass, plastic, and tile) by spotting the bacterium onto surfaces, swabbing with the collection devices, allowing to dry, then extracting and quantifying the amount of DNA recovered. This showed that the most microbial DNA was able to be recovered by the flocked swabs across all surfaces. The least amount of microbial DNA was able to be recovered from the plastic surface. This information could be valuable for future researchers investigating the potential forensic applications of the human microbiome, including recovery from additional surfaces and human subjects.
Crystal Oechsle, PhD (Advisor)
Travis Worst, PhD (Committee Member)
Jon Sprague, PhD (Committee Member)
63 p.
Biology
Forensic Science; Microbiome; Swabs

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Wise, N. M. (2021). Determining Ideal Swab Type For Collection Of The Microbiome For Forensic Identification Purposes [Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1616345112960545

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Wise, Natalie. Determining Ideal Swab Type For Collection Of The Microbiome For Forensic Identification Purposes. 2021. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1616345112960545.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Wise, Natalie. "Determining Ideal Swab Type For Collection Of The Microbiome For Forensic Identification Purposes." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1616345112960545

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1616345112960545
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© 2021, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.