Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)
Important Facts and Emerging Epidemic Summary
Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumoviridae family and is most similar to the avian metapneumovirus (AMPV). It was isolated in 2001 in the Netherlands and has since grown to become one of the most significant causes of respiratory infection, especially in children younger than five years old, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
Epidemiology
It has been dubbed the global respiratory pathogen, monocyclic endemic in seasonal peaks every late winter, similar to RSV and influenza. The studies implicate that almost all patients have been infected with the HMPV strains before five years of age, while reinfections are relatively common. Severe disease develops among patients having conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or some significant drop in immunity.
Symptoms and Transmission
HMPV generally initiates with mild respiratory manifestations, but outbreaks tend to cause lower respiratory tract infections especially among the vulnerable population. The transmission route in humans is droplet, contact, and contaminated surface.
Detection and Treatment
HMPV infection is diagnosed by RT-PCR or immunofluorescent assays. However, no standard treatment alternatives have been approved for the condition, nor are there established vaccines. Naturally, it is hoped that drug and vaccine research with antiviral agents and some vaccine trials such as those lofted by Moderna will continue.
Recent Outbreak
There was a gigantic outburst of HMPV in China at the end of the year 2024. This virus was shown to have a stronger ability to overcome the host's immune system than other known pathogens and associated respiratory illness, such as rhinovirus and COVID-.
