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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
Seroepidemiological study of human metapneumovirus in New Delhi, India
S Banerjee1, W M Sullender, R K Ahuja
1Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi - 110 029, India.
Purpose:
There are a few seroepidemiological studies reported on human metapneumovirus (hMPV) as hMPV was only discovered in the year 2001. This respiratory virus has been reported to be ubiquitous and associated with respiratory tract infections in all age groups. The present study aimed at determining the prevalence of antibodies to hMPV in children and adults of 1 month to 55 years of age.
Materials And Methods:
Serum samples from 100 study subjects were tested for hMPV antibody by an in-house ELISA system that used hMPV-infected cell lysate antigen.
Result:
The prevalence of antibody to hMPV was lowest in children less than 5 years of age (60%) and increased throughout age to > 80%. Similarly, geometric mean titres were 1:180 in children less than 5 years of age and reached a peak of 1:419 in adults over 35 years of age.
Conclusion:
The results show that hMPV infection is acquired early in life and re-infection in later life may maintain the seroprevalence and antibody levels in adult population.
Insights
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection is common, with antibody prevalence increasing with age. Early childhood infection and later re-infections likely maintain high antibody levels in adults.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), discovered in 2001, is a ubiquitous respiratory virus.
- hMPV is associated with respiratory tract infections across all age groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against hMPV in individuals aged 1 month to 55 years.
- To investigate the age-related trends in hMPV antibody prevalence and titers.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 100 subjects were analyzed.
- An in-house ELISA system utilizing hMPV-infected cell lysate antigen was employed.
Main Results:
- Antibody prevalence was 60% in children under 5, rising to over 80% in older age groups.
- Geometric mean antibody titers increased with age, from 1:180 in young children to 1:419 in adults over 35.
Conclusions:
- hMPV infection is acquired early in life.
- Re-infection may contribute to sustained seroprevalence and antibody levels in adults.
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