The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic accelerated developments in biotechnology that underpin infection science. These advances present an opportunity to refresh the microbial forensic toolkit. Integration of novel analytical techniques with established forensic methods will speed up acquisition of evidence and better support lines of enquiry. A critical part of any such investigation is demonstration of a robust causal relationship and attribution of responsibility for an incident. In the wider context of a formal investigation into agency, motivation and intent, the quick and efficient assembly of microbiological evidence sets the tone and tempo of the entire investigation. Integration of established and novel analytical techniques from infection science into a systematic approach to microbial forensics will therefore ensure that major perspectives are correctly used to frame and shape the evidence into a clear narrative, while recognizing that forensic hypothesis generation, testing and refinement comprise an iterative process. Development of multidisciplinary training exercises that use this approach will enable translation into practice and efficient implementation when the need arises.

中文翻译：

---

微生物法医学的系统方法

2019 年冠状病毒大流行加速了支撑感染科学的生物技术的发展。这些进步为更新微生物法医工具包提供了机会。将新颖的分析技术与现有的法医方法相结合将加快证据的获取速度并更好地支持调查。任何此类调查的一个关键部分是证明事件的强有力的因果关系和责任归属。在对机构、动机和意图进行正式调查的更广泛背景下，快速有效地收集微生物证据决定了整个调查的基调和节奏。因此，将感染科学中已建立的和新颖的分析技术整合到微生物法医学的系统方法中，将确保正确使用主要观点来构建证据并将其形成清晰的叙述，同时认识到法医学假设的生成、测试和完善包括迭代过程。使用这种方法开发多学科培训练习将能够在需要时转化为实践并有效实施。