Elucidating the Role of Human Metapneumovirus in Young Children

In two successive winter–spring seasons, hMPV was responsible for 25.3% and then 4.7% of acute respiratory infections in young children.

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a relatively recent discovery (2001) and, in young children, shares many of the same epidemiologic features as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In fact, cases of dual infection are often reported. For these reasons, the specific role of hMPV in pediatric respiratory infections has remained unclear.

To address this gap, investigators in Italy conducted a single-center, prospective study involving 347 young children (age, <5 years) who were hospitalized with acute respiratory disease during the winter–spring season of either 2005–2006 or 2006–2007.

During the first season, hMPV was isolated from 39 of 154 children (25.3%); 19 had dual hMPV/RSV infection. During the second season, hMPV was isolated from only 9 o…

Reviewing Author

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Elucidating the Role of Human Metapneumovirus in Young Children

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Reviewing Author