[Human metapneumovirus pneumonia in an adult patient hospitalized for suspected severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)].
BACKGROUND
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a newly identified virus responsible for occasionally severe respiratory infections, mainly observed in children.


METHODS
A 59-year old man was hospitalised for respiratory problems and fever 3 days after his return from China during the epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Other than fever (>38 degrees C), the patient exhibited a dry cough, myalgias, arthralgias and mild lymphopenia and the chest radiography showed an opacity on the right lower lung. Conventional virological investigations remained negative. Detection of the novel SARS-associated coronavirus was negative but hMPV detection was positive.


CONCLUSIONS
The present observation indicates that hMPV may cause respiratory symptoms mimicking initial manifestations of SARS in adults visiting epidemic countries.


CONCLUSIONS
hMPV testing has clinical utility in adult patients with acute respiratory tract infection.
Foulongne
Vincent
V
Laboratoire de virologie, Groupe Hospitalier Saint-Eloi-Gui de Chauliac, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Montpellier.
Lechiche
Catherine
C
Reynes
Jacques
J
Segondy
Michel
M
D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D029121:Metapneumovirus / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018184:Paramyxoviridae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000821:virology*; D045169:Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / Q000150:complications*
D004279:DNA, Viral