Human metapneumovirus and exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

J Infect. 2006 Oct;53(4):248-54. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2005.11.010. Epub 2006 Jan 10.

Abstract

Objective: Respiratory viruses are a common trigger for exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a paramyxovirus associated with respiratory tract infections and wheezing. Our aim was to determine whether hMPV was associated with exacerbations of COPD.

Methods: The study was designed as an observational cohort study carried out in a 944-bed urban teaching hospital located in New Haven, Connecticut. Between December 2002 and May 2003, patients hospitalized due to an exacerbation of COPD were identified. Nasopharyngeal specimens obtained from these patients were tested for human metapneumovirus by RT-PCR and for respiratory syncytial virus, influenza A and B, parainfluenza-1, -2, and -3 and adenovirus by a cytospin-enhanced direct immunofluorescence assay and/or viral culture.

Results: Fifty individuals met enrollment criteria and hMPV was identified in 6 (12%), respiratory syncytial virus in 4 (8%), influenza A in 2 (4%) and parainfluenza type 3 in 1 (2%) patients. Both A and B hMPV genotypes were identified in patients hospitalized due to exacerbations of COPD.

Conclusion: hMPV was frequently identified in patients hospitalized due to an exacerbation of COPD. Further studies are necessary to determine the epidemiology and the impact of hMPV in COPD patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Connecticut
  • Female
  • Hospitalization
  • Hospitals, Teaching
  • Hospitals, Urban
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Metapneumovirus / classification
  • Metapneumovirus / genetics
  • Metapneumovirus / isolation & purification*
  • Middle Aged
  • Paramyxoviridae Infections / complications*
  • Paramyxoviridae Infections / diagnosis
  • Paramyxoviridae Infections / epidemiology
  • Paramyxoviridae Infections / virology*
  • Phylogeny
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / complications
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / epidemiology
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / physiopathology*
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / virology*
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction