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Nteziryayo D, Wang J, Qian H, Liang M, Liu H, Liu X, Uwantege K, Joseph P. Advancement and the existing landscape of forensic medicine in Africa: A comparison with developed countries. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2024:10.1007/s12024-024-00789-5. [PMID: 38416382 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-024-00789-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
This article explores the development and challenges of forensic medicine in Africa, comparing it to developed countries. It addresses limited resources, funding, and a shortage of trained professionals. The growth of forensic investigation capabilities and the challenges of funding and technology access are discussed. Training and education have improved, but disparities remain. Partnerships with developed countries and international organizations are crucial to bridge the gap. A comprehensive legal framework is important, but disparities exist among African countries. Harmonizing forensic laws would enhance cooperation. The role of forensic medicine in the criminal justice system is examined, emphasizing the need to build trust in forensic evidence. International collaboration and capacity building are key to advancing forensic medicine in Africa. Investments in infrastructure, funding, training, and legal frameworks are required. By leveraging partnerships, Africa can develop its forensic medicine capabilities for a fair and effective criminal justice system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damascene Nteziryayo
- Institute of Forensic Injury, Institute of Forensic Bio-Evidence, Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbor, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Yanta Road W.76, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute of Forensic Injury, Institute of Forensic Bio-Evidence, Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbor, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyan Qian
- Institute of Forensic Injury, Institute of Forensic Bio-Evidence, Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbor, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Liang
- Institute of Forensic Injury, Institute of Forensic Bio-Evidence, Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbor, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Liu
- Key Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Ministry of Public Security, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinshe Liu
- Institute of Forensic Injury, Institute of Forensic Bio-Evidence, Western China Science and Technology Innovation Harbor, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Forensic Pathology, College of Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Yanta Road W.76, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Karolina Uwantege
- Rwanda Forensic Institute, Biology Division, Kigali, KN8 Ave, Republic of Rwanda
| | - Phazha Joseph
- Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Chemical and Forensic Sciences, Palapye, Botswana
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Yang MQ, Wang ZJ, Zhai CB, Chen LQ. Research progress on the application of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and machine learning in forensic microbiome individual identification. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1360457. [PMID: 38371926 PMCID: PMC10869621 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1360457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Forensic microbiome research is a field with a wide range of applications and a number of protocols have been developed for its use in this area of research. As individuals host radically different microbiota, the human microbiome is expected to become a new biomarker for forensic identification. To achieve an effective use of this procedure an understanding of factors which can alter the human microbiome and determinations of stable and changing elements will be critical in selecting appropriate targets for investigation. The 16S rRNA gene, which is notable for its conservation and specificity, represents a potentially ideal marker for forensic microbiome identification. Gene sequencing involving 16S rRNA is currently the method of choice for use in investigating microbiomes. While the sequencing involved with microbiome determinations can generate large multi-dimensional datasets that can be difficult to analyze and interpret, machine learning methods can be useful in surmounting this analytical challenge. In this review, we describe the research methods and related sequencing technologies currently available for application of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and machine learning in the field of forensic identification. In addition, we assess the potential value of 16S rRNA and machine learning in forensic microbiome science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai-Qing Yang
- Department of Pathology, Weifang People's Hospital (First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University), Weifang, China
| | - Zheng-Jiang Wang
- Department of Pathology, Weifang People's Hospital (First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University), Weifang, China
| | - Chun-Bo Zhai
- Department of Second Ward of Thoracic Surgery, Weifang People's Hospital (First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University), Weifang, China
| | - Li-Qian Chen
- Department of Pathology, Weifang People's Hospital (First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University), Weifang, China
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