A 1-year experience with human metapneumovirus in children aged <5 years

J Infect Dis. 2004 Apr 15;189(8):1388-96. doi: 10.1086/382482. Epub 2004 Apr 2.

Abstract

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a recently discovered respiratory pathogen. We tested respiratory specimens for the presence of hMPV by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. These specimens were obtained over a 1-year period from children aged <5 years and had negative results by the direct fluorescent antibody test for respiratory syncytial virus, influenza A and B, parainfluenza viruses 1-3, and adenovirus. Overall, 54 (8.1%) of 668 individuals tested positive for hMPV. During March and April of the study period, hMPV was detected in 17.6% and 25.0% of specimens tested, respectively. At least 2 distinct genotypes of hMPV circulated during the study period. Fever, tachypnea, cough, rhinorrhea, retractions of the chest wall, and wheezing were common findings. Of hMPV-positive children, 60.4% were aged <12 months. hMPV accounted for a small but significant proportion of respiratory-tract disease in infants and children.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Australia / epidemiology
  • Canada / epidemiology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Connecticut / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Metapneumovirus / genetics
  • Metapneumovirus / isolation & purification*
  • Netherlands / epidemiology
  • Paramyxoviridae Infections / epidemiology
  • Paramyxoviridae Infections / pathology
  • Paramyxoviridae Infections / virology*
  • Phylogeny
  • RNA, Viral / chemistry
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / epidemiology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / pathology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / virology*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Seasons
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA

Substances

  • RNA, Viral