Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in post-mortem swab 35 days after death: A case report.
Forensic Sci Int
; 319: 110653, 2021 Feb.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1023567
ABSTRACT
Post-mortem swabs for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA detection have been recommended by several Scientific Committees and Institutions as a standard procedure for post-mortem assessment of potential Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) related deaths. To date there is no data about the SARS-CoV-2 RNA detectability period in human bodies after death. The present case documents the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the upper respiratory tract 35-days after death. Post-mortem swabs could be used as a valuable tool in preventive evaluation of the risks-benefits ratio associated with autopsy execution. SARS-CoV-2 RNA post-mortem detection could have a key diagnostic role in deaths lacking medical assistance, unattended deaths, and patients with multiple comorbidities. Based on the present report, staged post-mortem swabs should be performed even after a long post-mortem interval.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Oropharynx
/
Cadaver
/
RNA, Viral
/
SARS-CoV-2
/
Nasal Cavity
Type of study:
Case report
/
Experimental Studies
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Language:
English
Journal:
Forensic Sci Int
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
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