CSI methods used to fight infectious diseases

Research scientists have discovered that crime scene investigation (CSI) methods more commonly associated with the hunting of serial killers could help combat the spread of infectious diseases.

The study, published in BioMed Central's open access journal International Journal of Health Geographics, suggested that the mathematical model of geographic profiling could control infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

Geographic profiling normally uses the locations of crimes in order to identify where a serial criminal is most likely to work and live.

Dr Le Comber, in collaboration with scientists at the University of Miami and Ain Shams University in Cairo, as well as with the inventor of geographic profiling, former detective turned professor of Criminal Justice Kim Rossmo, from Texas State University, used the process on history outbreaks of disease such as the 1854 outbreak of cholera in London and successfully identified the source.

"Correctly applied, geographic profiling shows great promise as a useful component of policy relating to the control of a wide variety of infectious diseases," said Dr Le Comber, adding that the development was "exciting".