From the Guidelines
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection typically presents with flu-like symptoms, including cough, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, fever, and shortness of breath, as reported in a study published in the Clinical Infectious Diseases journal 1. The symptoms of HMPV infection can range from mild to severe, with some patients, especially young children, elderly adults, and those with weakened immune systems, developing more severe symptoms including wheezing, difficulty breathing, and pneumonia.
- The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, with symptoms usually appearing 3-6 days after exposure.
- Most cases resolve on their own within 1-2 weeks with supportive care including rest, adequate hydration, and over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage fever and discomfort.
- There is no specific antiviral treatment for HMPV, and antibiotics are not effective since it's a viral infection, as noted in the study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases 1.
- Severe cases may require hospitalization for oxygen therapy or respiratory support, and single cases of severe disease and fatal outcome have been reported 1.
- The virus is most common during winter, causing increases in upper respiratory tract infections and tracheobronchitis in 5%–20% of children and adults, as reported in the study 1. Treatment with ribavirin and/or IVIG may be considered in some cases, although there is a lack of supporting studies, as mentioned in the Clinical Infectious Diseases journal 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Meta Pneumo Virus
- The symptoms of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) range from mild upper respiratory tract infections to severe lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchiolitis, croup, and pneumonia, particularly in children, elderly adults, and immunocompromised hosts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- In young children, symptoms can include mild upper respiratory tract infections, while in adults, hMPV reinfection typically presents with colds and flulike clinical manifestations 2, 6.
- The disease is more severe, sometimes lethal, in immunocompromised hosts 2, 4, 5.
- Symptoms can be indistinguishable from those caused by human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) 3, 5.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the most sensitive test for detecting hMPV infection 2, 3, 6.
- Direct detection of hMPV antigens with an immunofluorescent antibody test is available but is less sensitive than PCR 2.
- Antibody testing is used mainly for retrospective diagnosis and for epidemiological studies 2.
- The mainstay of treatment of hMPV infections is supportive, with no approved vaccines or targeted antiviral therapies currently available 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.