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Serosurvey of human metapneumovirus infection in Croatia

Suncanica Ljubin Sternak1, Tatjana Vilibić Cavlek, Ann R Falsey

  • 1Virology Department, Croatian, National Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia. sljsternak@hzjz.hr

Croatian Medical Journal
|December 15, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection is common in Croatia, with seropositivity increasing with age. Primary hMPV infections typically occur during early childhood, indicating widespread circulation.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a significant respiratory pathogen.
  • Seroprevalence data for hMPV in Croatia were previously unavailable.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the seroprevalence of hMPV in the Croatian population.
  • To investigate the age-specific distribution of hMPV antibodies.

Main Methods:

  • Indirect immunofluorescent assay was used to test 137 serum specimens from Croatian patients.
  • Serum samples were collected in 2005 from individuals aged 6 days to 51 years.

Main Results:

  • Overall hMPV seropositivity was 77.4% (106/137).
  • Seropositivity increased with age, from 18.7% in 6-month to 1-year-olds to 100% in individuals over 20.
  • The highest antibody titers (≥1:512) were observed in children aged 1–2 years.

Conclusions:

  • hMPV infection is prevalent in Croatia.
  • Primary hMPV infection commonly occurs in early childhood.
  • This study provides the first evidence of hMPV circulation in Croatia.

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