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Published on: February 6, 2017

Outbreak of human metapneumovirus infection in norwegian children

Henrik Døllner1, Kari Risnes, Andreas Radtke

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|May 8, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) was the most common cause of respiratory infections in hospitalized children during Norway's 2002-2003 winter season. This study details clinical findings for 50 hMPV-infected children, highlighting common symptoms and disease severity.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a recently discovered cause of acute respiratory tract infections in children.
  • hMPV outbreaks can lead to significant pediatric hospitalizations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the occurrence and clinical presentation of hMPV in hospitalized children during an outbreak in Norway.
  • To identify hMPV as a predominant viral pathogen during the winter season.

Main Methods:

  • Nasopharyngeal aspirate specimens were collected from 236 children hospitalized with respiratory tract infections (RTI) over a 5-month period.
  • Samples were tested for common respiratory viruses including influenza, parainfluenza, RSV, rhinovirus, adenovirus, and hMPV using direct immunofluorescence, cell culture, and PCR.
  • Clinical data and symptoms were recorded for hMPV-infected children.

Main Results:

  • hMPV was identified in 50 of 236 children (21%) and was the most common isolate (57%) between November 2002 and January 2003.
  • The median age of hMPV-infected children was 12 months, with 50% having underlying chronic conditions.
  • Common symptoms included fever (86%), cough (90%), and dyspnea (80%). Bronchiolitis (48%) and pneumonia (34%) were frequent, with 28% requiring supplemental oxygen.

Conclusions:

  • hMPV was the most prevalent viral isolate among hospitalized children with RTI during the 2002-2003 winter season.
  • The study observed a range of hMPV-associated illnesses, from upper respiratory tract infections to severe pneumonia.
  • A significant proportion of hospitalized children with hMPV infection developed severe pneumonia, necessitating respiratory support.

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