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Contribution of human metapneumovirus to influenza-like infections in North Greece, 2005-2008

G Gioula1, D Chatzidimitriou, A Melidou

  • 1National Influenza Centre for North Greece, B Laboratory of Microbiology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece. ggioula@med.auth.gr

Euro Surveillance : Bulletin Europeen Sur Les Maladies Transmissibles = European Communicable Disease Bulletin
|March 11, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a significant cause of influenza-like illness (ILI), particularly in children. This study found hMPV in 6.05% of ILI cases during three winter seasons, highlighting its role alongside influenza.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), identified in 2001, is recognized as a significant respiratory pathogen, especially affecting children.
  • Influenza-like illness (ILI) presents a diagnostic challenge due to overlapping symptoms with various respiratory viruses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of hMPV infections among patients presenting with ILI in northern Greece.
  • To analyze the co-occurrence of hMPV and influenza virus infections during three consecutive influenza seasons (2005-2008).

Main Methods:

  • Collection of 380 nasopharyngeal swabs/aspirates from ILI patients during winter seasons (2005-2008).
  • Detection of influenza viruses and hMPV using one-step real-time RT-PCR and nested RT-PCR techniques.

Main Results:

  • Influenza viruses were identified in 39.7% (151/380) of specimens.
  • hMPV was detected in 6.05% (23/380) of ILI cases.
  • Co-infections with hMPV and influenza viruses occurred in 7 cases; hMPV incidence was higher in the 0-18 age group.

Conclusions:

  • hMPV is an important contributor to ILI, particularly in pediatric populations.
  • hMPV circulates during influenza seasons and its symptoms can mimic influenza, necessitating further research into its impact.

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