Decoding post-mortem infection dynamics of SARS-CoV-2, IAV and RSV: New insights for public health and emerging infectious diseases management

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.