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Association of human metapneumovirus with acute otitis media

John V Williams1, Sharon J Tollefson, Sangeeta Nair

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA. john.williams@vanderbilt.edu

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|January 24, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is linked to acute otitis media (AOM) in children. This study found hMPV in 6% of nasal washes and 1% of middle ear fluids from children with AOM, suggesting a role in ear infections.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a paramyxovirus linked to respiratory infections in children.
  • Previous observations indicated a significant association between hMPV and acute otitis media (AOM).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between hMPV and pediatric AOM when AOM is the primary diagnosis.
  • To determine the prevalence of hMPV in children presenting with AOM.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 144 paired nasal wash (NW) and middle ear fluid (MEF) specimens from children with AOM.
  • Real-time RT-PCR was used to detect hMPV RNA in archived samples collected between 1990-1992.

Main Results:

  • hMPV was detected in 6% (8/144) of NW specimens and 1% (1/144) of MEF specimens.
  • Persistent hMPV shedding was observed in some children.
  • hMPV was detected between November and May, often with bacterial co-pathogens, but in 25% of cases, hMPV was the sole identified pathogen.

Conclusions:

  • hMPV is associated with a subset of pediatric AOM cases.
  • The presence of hMPV contributes to the morbidity and healthcare burden of AOM in children.

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