Postmortem Findings Associated With SARS-CoV-2: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-associated Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a global threat to public health. COVID-19 is more pathogenic and infectious than the prior 2002 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-1. The pathogenesis of certain disease manifestations in COVID-19 such as diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) are thought to be similar to SARS-CoV-1. However, the exact pathogenesis of COVID-19 related deaths remains poorly understood. The aim of this article was to systematically summarize the rapidly emerging literature regarding COVID-19 autopsies. A meta-analysis was also conducted based on data accrued from preprint and published articles on COVID-19 (n=241 patients) and the results compared with postmortem findings associated with SARS-CoV-1 deaths (n=91 patients). Both autopsy groups included mostly adults of median age 70 years with COVID-19 and 50 years with SARS-CoV-1. Overall, prevalence of DAD was more common in SARS-CoV-1 (100.0%) than COVID-19 (80.9%) autopsies (P=0.001). Extrapulmonary findings among both groups were not statistically significant except for hepatic necrosis (P <0.001), splenic necrosis (P<0.006) and white pulp depletion (P <0.001) that were more common with SARS-CoV-1. Remarkable postmortem findings in association with COVID-19 apart from DAD include pulmonary hemorrhage, viral cytopathic effect within pneumocytes, thromboembolism, brain infarction, endotheliitis, acute renal tubular damage, white pulp depletion of the spleen, cardiac myocyte necrosis, megakaryocyte recruitment, and hemophagocytosis.

Food saftey: an examination of the potential impact on the economies of countries of the Caribbean Community [abstract]

Food safety pertains to the prevention, reduction or elimination of the risk of ill-health as a result of the consumption of foods whether fresh or processed, obtained through the domestic market or by international trade. Food saftey issues therefore impact on agricultural production and trade, as well as on the manufacture of processed foods and on the preparation and service of meals, whether these be in a hotel/restaurant environment or by itinerant street vendors. Agricultural production, trade and tourism are together significant contributors to the output of the open economies of the countries of the Caribbean Community. The discussion examines the findings of a recent assessment of the food safety status of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States, which focussed on food safety in respect of plant, animal and human health systems in the various countries. The economic structure of selected countries is highlighted together with an indication of the trends in trade. The findings of the food safety assessment are then reviewed in the context of their possible impact on the economic output of the countries. The analysis showed that agricultural production and trade play a critical role in the economic output of many CARICOM States, Through their contribution to export earnings as well as employment. Tourism is also important in this regard. Inadequate attention to food safety issues can result in loss of market share either through a shift in purchasing patterns as experienced by other countries, or through detention by the regulatory agency of the importing country. Weak food safety policies could also jeopardize the tourism sector. Improvements in the food safety system and its infrastructure would serve to enhance the earning potential of the agricultural and tourism sectors and this should lead to greater economic output from those sectors. (AU)

Food availability and security

Notes that in discussing the question of food availability and security, the underlying issue is the attainment of levels of food consumption that will ensure adequate nutrition even for the lowest populkation deciles, with regard to income distribution. Cites Mellor who observed that in the 1980s food insecurity was considered to be the inability of poor countries, families or individuals to purchase sufficient quantities of food from existing supplies. At issue is the influence of food prices on the purchasing power of most low income persons together with the major role of agricultural production as a source of employment for the poor(AU)

Food availability and security

Notes that in discussing the question of food availability and security, the underlying issue is the attainment of levels of food consumption that will ensure adequate nutrition even for the lowest populkation deciles, with regard to income distribution. Cites Mellor who observed that in the 1980s food insecurity was considered to be the inability of poor countries, families or individuals to purchase sufficient quantities of food from existing supplies. At issue is the influence of food prices on the purchasing power of most low income persons together with the major role of agricultural production as a source of employment for the poor