Human metapneumovirus infections in hospitalized children.
We evaluated the percentage of hospitalizations for acute respiratory tract infections in children < or =3 years of age attributable to human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and other respiratory viruses in a prospective study during winter and spring 2002. We used real-time polymerase chain assays and other conventional diagnostic methods to detect HMPV, human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), and influenza viruses in nasopharyngeal aspirates of children. HMPV was detected in 12 (6%) of the 208 children hospitalized for acute respiratory tract infections, HRSV in 118 (57%), and influenza A in 49 (24%). Bronchiolitis was diagnosed in 8 (68%) and pneumonitis in 2 (17%) of HMPV-infected children; of those with HRSV infection, bronchiolitiss was diagnosed in 99 (84%) and pneumonitis in 30 (25%). None of the HMPV-infected children was admitted to an intensive-care unit, whereas 15% of those with HRSV or influenza A infections were admitted. HMPV is an important cause of illness in young children with a similar, although less severe, clinical presentation to that of HRSV.
Boivin
Guy
G
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Canada. Guy.Boivin@crchul.ulaval.ca
De Serres
Gaston
G
Côté
Stéphanie
S
Gilca
Rodica
R
Abed
Yacine
Y
Rochette
Louis
L
Bergeron
Michel G
MG
Déry
Pierre
P
D000208:Acute Disease; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000175:diagnosis; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D029121:Metapneumovirus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D018184:Paramyxoviridae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology; D010802:Phylogeny; D011159:Population Surveillance; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology*; D012621:Seasons