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Epidemiology of human metapneumovirus in a pediatric long-term care facility

Natalie Neu1, Theresa Plaskett, Gordon Hutcheon

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA. nn45@columbia.edu

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|May 8, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Viral diagnostic testing identified diverse pathogens, particularly human metapneumovirus (hMPV), causing prolonged respiratory illness outbreaks in a pediatric long-term care facility (LTCF). This study highlights the importance of viral testing for understanding epidemiology in vulnerable populations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Long-term care facility resident health

Background:

  • Viral respiratory pathogens frequently cause outbreaks in pediatric long-term care facilities (LTCFs).
  • Limited studies have utilized viral diagnostic testing to identify causative agents during these outbreaks.
  • This study focuses on characterizing respiratory illness and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) epidemiology in a pediatric LTCF.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the utilization of viral diagnostic testing during a prolonged respiratory illness period.
  • To elucidate the epidemiology of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in a pediatric LTCF setting.
  • To identify pathogens responsible for influenza-like illness (ILI) in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study of influenza-like illness (ILI) was conducted.
  • The study encompassed a 136-bed pediatric LTCF from January 1 to April 30, 2010.
  • The ILI case definition included fever, cough, changes in secretions, increased oxygen needs, and/or wheezing.

Main Results:

  • 69 ILI episodes occurred in 61 of 150 residents (41%).
  • Viral pathogens were detected in 27 (39%) of ILI episodes, with hMPV being the most frequent (n=19).
  • 44% of residents with ILI required hospitalization; residents with tracheostomies were more prone to ILI.

Conclusions:

  • Diverse viral pathogens, notably hMPV, were responsible for ILI during an extended period in the pediatric LTCF.
  • Viral diagnostic testing proved valuable in characterizing the epidemiology of ILI within this specific population.
  • hMPV-infected residents were younger and more likely to require acute care transfer.

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