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Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
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Published on: February 23, 2014

Clinical impact and diagnosis of human metapneumovirus infection

Bernadette G van den Hoogen1, D M E Osterhaus, Ron A M Fouchier

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

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|January 20, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) causes 5-7% of childhood respiratory infections in hospitals and 3% in the community. Its symptoms mimic RSV, highlighting the need for specific diagnostics.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are globally prevalent.
  • Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), identified in 2001, explains previously unexplained viral respiratory tract illnesses (RTIs).
  • Previous surveys on hMPV disease burden used varied methodologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the disease burden of hMPV infection.
  • To assess hMPV's impact in both hospital and community settings.

Main Methods:

  • A review of published data on hMPV clinical impact.
  • Inclusion of additional unpublished data on hMPV infection.

Main Results:

  • hMPV accounts for 5-7% of pediatric RTIs in hospitals and at least 3% in community primary care.
  • Immunocompromised individuals and the elderly are at increased risk.
  • hMPV exhibits winter seasonality, similar to RSV and influenza.

Conclusions:

  • hMPV infection presents symptoms indistinguishable from RSV.
  • Two hMPV serotypes necessitate consideration in diagnostic assay development.
  • hMPV is a significant contributor to the global burden of respiratory infections.

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