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A newly discovered human pneumovirus isolated from young children with respiratory tract disease

B G van den Hoogen1, J C de Jong, J Groen

  • 1Department of Virology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Nature Medicine
|June 1, 2001
PubMed

Insights

A novel paramyxovirus, human metapneumovirus (hMPV), was discovered in young children, causing respiratory illnesses similar to RSV. This common virus has circulated globally for at least 50 years.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Pediatric Respiratory Infections

Background:

  • The Metapneumovirus genus previously contained only avian pneumovirus.
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of pediatric respiratory illness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize a novel paramyxovirus isolated from young children.
  • To determine the clinical significance and prevalence of this new virus.

Main Methods:

  • Virological analysis
  • Sequence homology and gene constellation analysis
  • Serological studies

Main Results:

  • A novel paramyxovirus, named human metapneumovirus (hMPV), was identified.
  • hMPV infection presents with symptoms ranging from upper respiratory tract disease to severe pneumonia.
  • Serological data indicate near-universal hMPV exposure in Dutch children by age five.
  • The virus has been circulating in humans for at least 50 years.

Conclusions:

  • Human metapneumovirus is a newly identified respiratory pathogen in children.
  • hMPV is a significant cause of respiratory illness in young children, similar to RSV.
  • Widespread hMPV circulation suggests a long history of human infection.

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