Chen R, Hao Z, Ye J, Zhao X, Hu S, Luo J, Li J, Wu H, Liang X, Shen C, Deng M, Zhang W, Zhu Z, Qin Y, Hu G, Zhang L, Cao F, Liu Y, Liu R, Sun Q, Wei H, Wang Z. Decoding post-mortem infection dynamics of SARS-CoV-2, IAV and RSV: New insights for public health and
emerging infectious diseases management.
J Infect 2025;
90:106489. [PMID:
40268146 DOI:
10.1016/j.jinf.2025.106489]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2025] [Revised: 03/25/2025] [Accepted: 04/12/2025] [Indexed: 04/25/2025]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
The persistence and infectivity of respiratory viruses in cadavers remain poorly characterized, posing significant biosafety risks for forensic and healthcare professionals. This study systematically evaluates the post-mortem stability and transmission potential of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus (IAV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) under varying environmental conditions, providing critical insights into viral kinetics.
METHODS
To assess the post-mortem stability of SARS-CoV-2, tissue samples were collected from infected cadavers at 4 ℃, room temperature (RT, 20-22 ℃), and 37 ℃ over a predetermined timeframe. Viral kinetics were analyzed using quantitative assays, while histopathology and immunohistochemistry characterized tissue-specific distribution. Additionally, comparative analyses were conducted both in vitro and in cadaveric tissues to characterize the survival dynamics of IAV and RSV under identical conditions.
RESULTS
SARS-CoV-2 exhibited prolonged post-mortem infectivity, persisting for up to 5 days at RT and 37 ℃ and over 7 days at 4 ℃, with the highest risk of transmission occurring within the first 72 h at RT and 24 h at 37 ℃. In contrast, RSV remained viable for 1-2 days, while IAV persisted for only a few hours post-mortem. Viral decay rates were temperature-dependent and varied across tissues, demonstrating distinct post-mortem survival kinetics.
CONCLUSIONS
This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of viral persistence in cadavers, revealing prolonged SARS-CoV-2 stability compared to IAV and RSV. These findings underscore the need for enhanced post-mortem biosafety protocols to mitigate occupational exposure risks in forensic and clinical settings. By elucidating viral decay dynamics across environmental conditions, this research establishes a critical foundation for infection control strategies, informing biosafety policies for emerging respiratory pathogens.
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