Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2025
High-Speed Human Temporal Bone Sectioning for the Assessment of COVID-19-Associated Middle Ear Pathology
Published on: May 18, 2022
The autopsy practice and pathology in COVID-19
1Department of Pathology/Lab Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bathinda, Punjab, India.
Insights
This review summarizes the pathology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and emphasizes the need for updated autopsy protocols. Understanding COVID-19
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
- Public Health
Background:
- The global emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents significant public health challenges.
- COVID-19 manifests with diverse multi-organ symptoms including fever, respiratory distress, and gastrointestinal issues.
- Transmission occurs via inhalation and skin contact, necessitating stringent safety measures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize the existing literature on the pathology of COVID-19.
- To highlight the importance of autopsy in understanding disease mechanisms.
- To advocate for updated autopsy protocols for COVID-19 to protect healthcare workers and inform treatment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies on COVID-19 pathology.
- Analysis of clinical manifestations and transmission routes.
- Examination of autopsy findings from previous pandemics (SARS, MERS).
Main Results:
- COVID-19 affects multiple organs, with symptoms ranging from fever and cough to gastrointestinal distress.
- Inhalation and skin contact are primary transmission routes for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
- Autopsy data from SARS and MERS underscore the need for specific protocols to prevent healthcare worker exposure.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the underlying pathology of COVID-19 is crucial for developing effective control and treatment strategies.
- Standardized autopsy protocols are essential for safe examination and knowledge acquisition regarding COVID-19.
- Further research into COVID-19 pathology through autopsies will aid in refining clinical guidelines and public health responses.
Abstract:
The universal spread of novel virus named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) also known as 2019-nCoV, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) declared by the world health organisation (WHO). This virus has dived in to multiorgan, with clinical manifestations of fever, sore throat, dry cough, dyspnoea, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and muscle pain. As novel coronavirus been categorised as HG3 infection which has highest with inhalation and by skin surface contact. As previous pandemics have occurred like SARS and MERS special attention to autopsy had been given to prevent exposure to the healthcare workers. Similar attention should be given to the autopsy protocols and underlying pathology for COVID-19 infection so as to better understanding of the disease for further control and treatment guidelines. Thus, herein we bring and summarise review of literature for understanding.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Gross Anatomy of the Lungs
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care