Infectivity of deceased COVID-19 patients

Area of Science:

• Forensic Pathology
• Infectious Diseases
• Virology

Background:

• The infectivity duration of SARS-CoV-2 in living patients is known, but its persistence in corpses is unclear.
• Understanding post-mortem SARS-CoV-2 infectivity is crucial for public health and occupational safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the infectivity and its duration of deceased COVID-19 patients.
• To determine the viability of SARS-CoV-2 in corpses at different post-mortem intervals (PMI).

Main Methods:

• Medicolegal autopsy was performed on four deceased COVID-19 patients.
• SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected using RT-qPCR on swabs and organ samples.
• Infectivity was assessed via virus isolation in cell culture at PMIs of 1, 4, 9, and 17 days.

Main Results:

• SARS-CoV-2 was successfully isolated from respiratory tract samples up to 17 days post-mortem in two cases.
• Infectivity was detected at PMIs of 4 and 17 days.
• Infectious cases had a shorter duration of COVID-19 prior to death compared to non-infectious cases.

Conclusions:

• SARS-CoV-2 can remain infectious in corpses for extended periods, even with signs of decomposition.
• Strict adherence to personal safety standards, including FFP3 masks and aerosol reduction, is essential for professionals handling COVID-19 deceased.
• Further research is needed to fully delineate the risks associated with post-mortem SARS-CoV-2 exposure.