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Schegolev AI, Tumanova UN. Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in deceased patients and safe handling of infected bodies. BULLETIN OF RUSSIAN STATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.24075/brsmu.2021.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- AI Schegolev
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - UN Tumanova
- National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology named after Academician V. I. Kulakov, Moscow, Russia
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