How long can SARS-CoV-2 persist in human corpses?

Mario Gabbrielli; Claudia Gandolfo; Gabriele Anichini; Tommaso Candelori; Matteo Benvenuti; Gianni Gori Savellini; Maria Grazia Cusi

doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2021.03.052

How long can SARS-CoV-2 persist in human corpses?

Int J Infect Dis. 2021 May:106:1-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.03.052. Epub 2021 Mar 18.

Authors

Mario Gabbrielli¹, Claudia Gandolfo², Gabriele Anichini², Tommaso Candelori¹, Matteo Benvenuti¹, Gianni Gori Savellini², Maria Grazia Cusi³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Forensic Medicine Unit, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
² Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Virology Unit, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
³ Department of Medical Biotechnologies, Virology Unit, University of Siena, Siena, Italy. Electronic address: mariagrazia.cusi@unisi.it.

Abstract

We report the finding of the SARS-CoV-2 genome in the corpse of an exhumed infected person, one month after her death. The viral gene targets were still present in her lungs and heart, however, the virus was no longer alive. Infectious risks from human corpses should be considered.

Keywords: Autopsy; SARS-CoV-2; SARS-CoV-2 tissue persistence.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Autopsy
Cadaver*
Female
Humans
Lung / virology
SARS-CoV-2 / genetics
SARS-CoV-2 / isolation & purification*
Time Factors