Molecular Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in FFPE Samples and Histopathologic Findings in Fatal SARS-CoV-2 Cases. Issue 2 (26th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sekulic, Miroslav; Harper, Holly; Nezami, Behtash G; Shen, Daniel L; Sekulic, Simona Pichler; Koeth, Aaron T; Harding, Clifford V; Gilmore, Hannah; Sadri, Navid
• Is Part Of: American journal of clinical pathology. Volume 154:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 190
• Page End: 200
• Publication Date: 2020-05-26
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- nCov-19 -- FFPE -- Autopsy -- Molecular testing -- Viral sequencing -- SARS-CoV-2; Coronavirus; Diagnosis, Laboratory -- Periodicals; Pathology -- Periodicals; 616.07
• DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqaa091
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-9173

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To report methods and findings of 2 autopsies with molecular evaluation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) positive individuals. Methods: Postmortem examination was completed following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidelines. Numerous formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue types from each case were surveyed for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). SARS-CoV-2 viral genome was sequenced by next-generation sequencing (NGS) from FFPE lung tissue blocks. Results: Postmortem examinations revealed diffuse alveolar damage, while no viral-associated hepatic, cardiac, or renal damage was observed. Viral RNA was detected in lungs, bronchi, lymph nodes, and spleen in both cases using qRT-PCR method. RNA sequencing using NGS in case 1 revealed mutations most consistent with Western European Clade A2a with ORF1a L3606F mutation. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 testing and viral sequencing can be performed from FFPE tissue. Detection and sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 in combination with morphological findings from postmortem tissue examination can aid in gaining a better understanding of the virus's pathophysiologic effects on human health.