Clinical Background
The human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a recently discovered (2001) agent of viral respiratory infections.
Epidemiology
- Prevalence - accounts for 5-10% of respiratory infections in hospitalized children and 10-20% of infections in outpatient clinics
- Age - most common in children <10 years of age
- By the age of 5, nearly all children show evidence of past infection
- Transmission - aerosol
- Peak season is November through May
Organism
- Single-stranded RNA virus
- Member of the Paramyxoviridae family
- Two strains that occur concurrently - A and B
Risk Factors
- Children
- Elderly
- Immunocompromised persons
Clinical Presentation
- Clinical symptoms indistinguishable from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Symptoms range from common cold to severe lower respiratory tract infections (bronchitis, pneumonia)
- May exacerbate asthma as well as play an etiology role in its development
- Co-infections with RSV and adenovirus are common
Treatment
- Supportive
