Human Metapneumovirus Infection

Key Features

• Cough, coryza, sore throat

• Bronchiolitis

• Detection of viral antigens or nucleic acid in respiratory secretions

Clinical Findings

• Asymptomatic infection is uncommon

• Fever, cough, rhinorrhea, and sore throat are most common symptoms

• Bronchiolitis and pneumonia occur in 40–70% of the children who acquire human metapneumovirus infection before the age of 2 years

• Other manifestations include otitis, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, and myalgia

• Dual infection with respiratory syncytial virus or other respiratory viruses seems to be a common occurrence and may increase morbidity and mortality

Diagnosis

• Polymerase chain reaction testing on respiratory specimens is preferred method of diagnosis

• Rapid shell vial culture is an acceptable, albeit less sensitive, alternative

• Radiography

  • Lower respiratory tract infection frequently shows hyperinflation and patchy pneumonitis

Treatment

• No antiviral therapy is available

• Ribavirin has in vitro activity against human metapneumovirus, but there are no data to support its therapeutic value

• Children with lower respiratory tract disease may require hospitalization and ventilatory support