The Role of Human Metapneumovirus in Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Children: A 20‐Year Experience

TLDR

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) has not previously been evaluated as a cause of upper respiratory tract infections in children over long periods. The study retrospectively tested nasal wash specimens from 1,532 infants and children with URIs, collected over 1982–2001, using real‑time RT‑PCR and sequenced viral genes to analyze clinical data. hMPV RNA was found in 5 % of 2,384 specimens, mainly in children around 20 months old during December–May, with half developing acute otitis media; the virus circulated yearly with four genetic lineages and frequent homologous and heterologous reinfections.

Abstract

BackgroundThe role that human metapneumovirus (hMPV) plays in the etiology of upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) in children over a period of many years has not been evaluated previously MethodsBy use of real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, we retrospectively tested nasal wash (NW) specimens for hMPV that had been obtained from a cohort of 1532 infants and children with URIs who were prospectively followed for an average of 2.4 years during the period from 1982 to 2001. Virus genes were sequenced, and prospectively collected clinical data were analyzed ResultsThere were 2710 visits for URIs for which routine cultures did not reveal a viral etiology. Archival NW specimens from 2384 of these visits were available. hMPV RNA was detected in 118 (5%) of 2384 specimens. The mean age of the children with hMPV infection was 20 months, and 78% of illnesses occurred from December through May. Acute otitis media (AOM) was detected in 50% of these children. hMPV circulated each year, but the numbers of isolates detected varied by year. Reinfections with both homologous and heterologous strains occurred. Four distinct genetic lineages were present over the 20 years of surveillance, with several different lineages circulating during some seasons ConclusionshMPV was detected in a substantial number of children with URIs and concomitant AOM