Necropsy findings as a post mortem diagnostic technique for transmissible diseases

Zoonoses are considered as diseases transmissible between human and animal and can cause severe reactions in humans, leading to high death. To date, significant effort has been made in the prevention and treatment of zoonotic diseases. However, due to the infectious nature of zoonotic diseases, their complete eradication presents a challenge. As zoonotic infections result in a wide range of diseases and death, necropsy is an important procedure for its diagnostic investigations. This article highlights four of the most important zoonoses, including leishmaniasis, rabies, anthrax, and glanders. Leishmaniasis can affect various organs of the body and induces lesions and ulceration. Rabies can be transmitted by dog bites and the nervous system is its main target. Anthrax has three primary forms (cutaneous, alimentary tract, and inhalational) with a high incidence of significant pathological lesions seen at necropsy. Sores on the nasal mucosa, nodules on skin of the abdomen and lower arm can be seen in glanders. The necropsy findings of the aforementioned zoonotic diseases are discussed in the current review to provide scientific guidelines for their diagnosis and exerting preventive measures to control them.