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Genotypes of human metapneumovirus circulating during 2010-2012 in children from Panama

Leyda E Ábrego1, Santiago Mirazo2, Adriana Delfraro2

  • 1Deparment of Research in Virology and Biotechnology, Gorgas Memorial Institute of Health Studies, Panama City, Panama.

Journal of Medical Virology
|October 6, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) causes severe respiratory infections in young children. This study reveals the co-circulation of four distinct HMPV sub-lineages in Panama, highlighting genetic diversity.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a significant cause of severe respiratory illness in vulnerable populations, including young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
  • HMPV accounts for 5-15% of all hospitalizations due to viral respiratory infections.
  • Despite HMPV's inclusion in respiratory virus surveillance programs since 2010, its genotype distribution remains largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the genotype distribution of Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) circulating in children under 5 years old in Panama.
  • To analyze the genetic heterogeneity of HMPV strains through phylogenetic analysis.

Main Methods:

  • Phylogenetic analysis was performed on the N gene sequences of 45 HMPV-positive samples from children aged 5 years or younger.
  • Molecular characterization of HMPV strains was conducted.

Main Results:

  • Four HMPV sub-lineages were found to be co-circulating: A2a (8.8%), A2b (55.5%), B1 (15.6%), and B2 (20%).
  • The findings demonstrate significant genetic heterogeneity of HMPV in the studied population.
  • Sub-lineage A2b was the most prevalent.

Conclusions:

  • The study identifies the specific genotypes of HMPV circulating in Panama, providing crucial epidemiological data.
  • Understanding HMPV genotype distribution is essential for developing targeted surveillance and potential interventions.
  • The genetic diversity observed underscores the need for ongoing monitoring of HMPV evolution.
Keywords:
acute respiratory infections (ARI)genotypehuman metapneumovirusnucleoprotein

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