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Updated: Apr 5, 2026

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
Clinical and genetic features of human metapneumovirus infection in children
Ji Young Park1, Ki Wook Yun1, Jae Woo Lim2
1Departments of Pediatrics, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Background:
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is one of the main pathogens responsible for respiratory tract infection in children.
Methods:
From 2011 to 2013, nasopharyngeal aspirates were obtained from Korean children and tested for hMPV on reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The genotype of hMPV in each sample was identified on PCR-restriction length polymorphism analysis of the fusion gene. We divided patients into three groups according to degree of fever. Patients with fever peaking at >39.5°C or lasting >7 days were classified as the high fever (HF) group; those with fevers peaking at <38.5°C and lasting <72 h were classified as the low fever (LF) group; and the other subjects were classified as the moderate fever group.
Results:
Among 457 samples positive for hMPV, hMPV genotype was able to be identified in 399 (87.3%); of these, A2a was found in 97 (24.3%), B1 in 186 (46.6%), and B2 in 116 (29.1%). Clinical features of hMPV infection were compared between the HF and LF groups. We classified 80 subjects into the HF group and 84 subjects into the LF group. Mean absolute neutrophil count (5625 ± 4418 vs 4072 ± 3076/μL, P = 0.010) and C-reactive protein (2.39 ± 3.39 vs 0.96 ± 1.77 mg/dL, P = 0.001) were higher in the HF group. Wheezing (5.0% vs 32.1%, P < 0.001) and dyspnea (2.5% vs 15.5%, P = 0.010) were more frequently seen in the LF group. Genotype distribution was similar in the two groups.
Conclusion:
Two distinct clinical presentations of hMPV infection were identified in this study.
Insights
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection in children presents with two distinct clinical patterns. This study identified differences in fever severity, inflammatory markers, and respiratory symptoms associated with hMPV genotypes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a significant cause of respiratory illness in children.
- Understanding hMPV's clinical spectrum is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical presentations and genotype distribution of hMPV in Korean children.
- To compare clinical features between high fever and low fever groups.
Main Methods:
- Nasopharyngeal aspirates from children were tested for hMPV using RT-PCR (2011-2013).
- hMPV genotypes were identified via PCR-restriction length polymorphism analysis of the fusion gene.
- Patients were categorized into high fever (HF) and low fever (LF) groups based on fever characteristics.
Main Results:
- Among 457 hMPV-positive samples, genotypes A2a, B1, and B2 were identified in 24.3%, 46.6%, and 29.1% respectively.
- The HF group (n=80) showed significantly higher absolute neutrophil counts and C-reactive protein levels compared to the LF group (n=84).
- Wheezing and dyspnea were more prevalent in the LF group, while genotype distribution was similar between groups.
Conclusions:
- Two distinct clinical presentations of hMPV infection were observed in this cohort.
- Clinical manifestations differ based on fever severity, suggesting varied host responses or viral interactions.
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