Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 30, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
03:53

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses

Published on: November 10, 2023

1.3K

The emergence, impact, and evolution of human metapneumovirus variants from 2014 to 2021 in Spain

Maria Piñana1, Alejandra González-Sánchez1, Cristina Andrés1

  • 1Respiratory Viruses Unit, Microbiology Department, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

The Journal of Infection
|May 13, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) caused significant respiratory illness before SARS-CoV-2. Post-pandemic, HMPV re-emerged with dominant A2c111dup variants, likely due to immune evasion, highlighting the need for surveillance.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Molecular Evolution

Background:

  • Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a significant cause of respiratory tract infections (RTIs).
  • Understanding HMPV's prevalence and genetic changes is crucial for public health.
  • The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 impacted HMPV circulation patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of HMPV.
  • To analyze the genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of HMPV.
  • To investigate HMPV's behavior in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Main Methods:

  • Laboratory confirmation of HMPV cases.
  • Partial-coding G gene sequencing for characterization.
  • Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and phylogenetic analyses using Nextstrain and Datamonkey.

Main Results:

  • HMPV prevalence was 2.5%, with peak seasons from February to April.
  • Alternating predominance of HMPV-A and -B was observed until SARS-CoV-2 emergence.
  • Post-2020, A2c111dup variants predominated, showing higher prevalence and mutation rates (6.95 × 10-4 subs/site/year).
  • G and SH proteins exhibited high variability, while the F protein was under negative selection.

Conclusions:

  • HMPV caused significant morbidity, with altered circulation post-SARS-CoV-2.
  • The dominance of A2c111dup variants suggests enhanced immune evasion.
  • Conserved F protein supports steric shielding, and recent emergence of duplicated A2c variants underscores the need for ongoing virological surveillance.
Keywords:
DuplicationEpidemiologyEvolutionHuman metapneumovirusWhole-genome sequencing

More Related Videos

Quantification and Whole Genome Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Wastewater and Air Samples09:26

Quantification and Whole Genome Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Wastewater and Air Samples

Published on: June 30, 2023

1.2K
Infection of Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells Grown at an Air-Liquid Interface to Characterize Human Coronavirus-Host Interactions09:02

Infection of Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells Grown at an Air-Liquid Interface to Characterize Human Coronavirus-Host Interactions

Published on: September 22, 2023

1.5K

Related Concept Videos

Viral Mutations00:36

Viral Mutations

A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material...
32.7K
Viral Recombination00:57

Viral Recombination

Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.
23.6K
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
368
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
289
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs01:05

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs

A single nucleotide polymorphism or SNP is a single nucleotide variation at a specific genomic position in a large population. It is the most prevalent type of sequence variation found in the human genome. Point mutations that occur in more than 1% of the population qualify as SNPs. These are present once every 1000 nucleotides on an average in the human genome. Replacement of a purine with another purine (A/G) or a pyrimidine with another pyrimidine (C/T) is known as a transition. In contrast,...
15.3K
COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features01:20

COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
379