ISSN Print 2500–1094
ISSN Online 2542–1204
BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL OF PIROGOV UNIVERSITY (MOSCOW, RUSSIA)
REVIEW
Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in deceased patients and safe handling of infected bodies
About authors
1 Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Moscow, Russia
2 Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
Correspondence should be addressed: Alexandr I. Shchegolev
Akademika Oparina, 4, Moscow, 117485; moc.liamg@777natap
About paper
Author contribution: Shchegolev AI designed the study, searched and analyzed the literature and wrote the manuscript; Tumanova UN searched and analyzed the literature and wrote the manuscript.
Received: 2021-05-31
Accepted: 2021-06-14
Published online: 2021-06-18
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This article analyzes the literature on SARS-CoV-2 persistence in the corpses of patients infected with COVID-19, possible routes of viral transmission from the bodies and biosafety measures to prevent the spread of the infection. SARS-CoV-2 persists for quite long in the tissues and bodily fluids of decedents with COVID-19 and on various surfaces. The longest viability of the virus is on stainless steel and plastic surfaces that come in contact with the infected body. Autopsies on decedents with COVID-19 must be performed at specially conditioned facilities. Medical and forensic pathologists and other mortuary workers must adhere to stringent biosafety requirements.
Keywords: autopsy, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, biosafety, persistence, corpse