[Human metapneumovirus as hospitalization cause in children under 3 years old with acute respiratory infections during 2004].
Human metapneumovirus was detected in 15 of 123 children (12%) younger than 3 years of age hospitalized for treatment of acute respiratory infection between July and November 2004. The virus was detected by RT-PCR directly from nasopharyngeal swabs and/or from supernatants after cell culture. Children infected with hMPV were mostly younger than one year of age (67%), all presenting with fever and cough. The main cause for hospitalization was the need for oxygen therapy (73%). Four hMPV positive children had an identifiable co-morbid condition but had a similar clinical evolution when compared to previously healthy infants. Chest radiography showed an increase in interstitial infiltrates with focal consolidation in 6 children. Obstructive bronchial syndrome and bronchiolitis, with or without pneumonia, were the most frequent diagnosis associated with hMPV positivity. A rapid and sensitive diagnostic method is required to improve diagnosis and treatment of these patients.
Prado S
M Alejandra
MA
Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile y Hospital Clínico Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. mprado@med.puc.cl
Perret P
Cecilia
C
Montecinos P
Luisa
L
Veloz B
Ana
A
Le Corre P
Nicole
N
Habash A
Leila
L
Potin S
Marcela
M
Abarca V
Katia
K
Ferrés G
Marcela
M
D000208:Acute Disease; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002677:Chile / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D029121:Metapneumovirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D018184:Paramyxoviridae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction