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Biennial spring activity of human metapneumovirus in Austria
Stephan W Aberle1, Judith H Aberle, Michael J Sandhofer
1Clinical Institute of Virology, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, Vienna, Austria. judith.aberle@meduniwien.ac.at
Background:
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is considered an important respiratory pathogen in young children. To gain insight into the seasonality and epidemiologic characteristics of HMPV infection, this study determined the frequency of HMPV infections in hospitalized infants during a 7-year period.
Methods:
By use of real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, nasopharyngeal aspirates from 1612 infants less than 2 years of age who were hospitalized for acute respiratory tract illness were tested for the presence of HMPV. Weekly HMPV testing data were analyzed to assess the timing of HMPV activity. Season variability was estimated by comparing the onset, duration, peak, and end of outbreaks from October 2000 through October 2007.
Results:
Overall, 109 (6.8%) of 1612 cases of acute respiratory illness were associated with HMPV infection. Seasonal HMPV activity varied substantially from year to year, both in prevalence rates of HMPV cases and in seasonal timing of outbreaks. HMPV activity was characterized by a biennial rhythm, with spring seasons occurring every second year, and these accounted for a substantial proportion, up to 30%, of hospitalized cases of acute respiratory tract illness.
Conclusions:
HMPV activity varies substantially from year to year, both in the frequency and timing of illness and shows a biennial pattern of alternating winter and spring activity.
Insights
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) causes significant respiratory illness in infants. This study found HMPV activity varies yearly, often showing a biennial pattern with alternating winter and spring outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Respiratory Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a significant respiratory pathogen in young children.
- Understanding HMPV seasonality and epidemiology is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of HMPV infections in hospitalized infants over a 7-year period.
- To analyze the seasonality and epidemiologic characteristics of HMPV in this population.
Main Methods:
- Real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to test nasopharyngeal aspirates.
- 1612 infants under 2 years hospitalized for acute respiratory tract illness were included.
- Weekly HMPV data from October 2000 to October 2007 were analyzed for seasonal patterns.
Main Results:
- HMPV infection was associated with 6.8% (109/1612) of acute respiratory illness cases.
- Significant year-to-year variation in HMPV prevalence and outbreak timing was observed.
- A biennial rhythm characterized HMPV activity, with spring outbreaks occurring every second year and accounting for up to 30% of cases.
Conclusions:
- HMPV activity exhibits substantial annual variability in frequency and timing.
- A distinct biennial pattern of alternating winter and spring activity was identified for HMPV.
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