Next-Generation Sequencing for Biodefense: Biothreat Detection, Forensics, and the Clinic

Abstract

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is revolutionizing a variety of molecular biology fields including bioforensics, biosurveillance, and infectious disease diagnostics. For pathogen detection, the ability to sequence all nucleic acids in a sample allows near limitless multiplexability, free from a priori knowledge regarding an etiologic agent as is typically required for targeted molecular assays such as real-time PCR. Furthermore, sequencing capabilities can generate in depth genomic information, allowing detailed molecular epidemiological studies and bioforensics analysis, which is critical for source agent identification in a biothreat outbreak. However, lack of analytical specificity, inherent to NGS, presents challenges for regulated applications such as clinical diagnostics and molecular attribution.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2019
Source ID
10.1373/clinchem.2016.266536

Entities

People

  • Christopher P. Stefan
  • Jeffrey W. Koehler
  • Timothy D Minogue
  • Turner A. Conrad

Organizations

  • Defense Threat Reduction Agency

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Critical Infrastructure Protection in CBRN and WMD Threats.
  • Oncology and Biomarker-Based Cancer Detection.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology