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Comparison of swab types for collection and analysis of microorganisms
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  • Natalie Wise,
  • Sarah Wagner,
  • Travis J Worst,
  • Jon Sprague,
  • Crystal Oechsle
Natalie Wise
Bowling Green State University

Corresponding Author:nmwise@bgsu.edu

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Sarah Wagner
Bowling Green State University
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Travis J Worst
Bowling Green State University
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Jon Sprague
Bowling Green State University
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Crystal Oechsle
Bowling Green State University
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Abstract

The human microbiome has begun to emerge as a potential forensic tool, with varied applications ranging from unique identification to investigative leads that link individuals and/or locations. The relative abundance of the combined DNA of the microbiome, compared to human nuclear DNA, may expand potential sources of biological evidence, especially in cases with transfer or low-copy number DNA samples. This work sought to determine the optimal swab type for the collection and analysis of the microbiome. A bacterium (Proteus mirabilis) was deposited by pipette onto four swab types (cotton, flocked, dental applicators, and dissolvable), and extraction and real-time PCR quantitation of the bacterial DNA were performed, which allowed for absolute microbial DNA recovery and comparison of yields across the four sampling substrates. Flocked swabs had the highest yield (~1240 ng) compared to the cotton swabs (~184 ng), dental applicators (~533 ng), and dissolvable swabs (~430 ng). The collection efficiency was further evaluated for cotton and flocked swabs using dried microbial samples spotted onto non-porous surfaces (treated wood, glass, plastic, and tile). Flocked swabs performed consistently better across wood, glass, and tile, but showed decreased recovery from plastic. The cotton swabs failed in the recovery of P. mirabilis DNA across all surfaces. Knowing the appropriate sampling substrate will be useful as others continue to investigate the use of the microbiome as a forensics tool.
19 Jul 2021Submitted to MicrobiologyOpen
21 Jul 2021Submission Checks Completed
21 Jul 2021Assigned to Editor
26 Jul 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
01 Sep 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
01 Sep 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Major
15 Sep 20211st Revision Received
16 Sep 2021Submission Checks Completed
16 Sep 2021Assigned to Editor
16 Sep 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
16 Sep 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
27 Sep 2021Editorial Decision: Accept
Nov 2021Published in MicrobiologyOpen volume 10 issue 6. 10.1002/mbo3.1244