title: Detection of human metapneumovirus antigens in nasopharyngeal aspirates using an enzyme immunoassay.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is associated with acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) in patients from all age groups.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the performance of a rapid antigenic test for all hMPV genotypes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Frozen nasopharyngeal aspirates from 93 individuals with ARTI were analyzed for the presence of hMPV antigens using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA, Biotrin Ltd.).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The hMPV EIA showed a sensitivity of 81%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 77% compared to viral culture and RT-PCR.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Biotrin hMPV EIA is a convenient alternative to cell culture for detection of hMPV with an excellent specificity.
authors.affiliation: Research Center in Infectious Diseases of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec and Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Irena
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kukavica-Ibrulj
authors.forename: Guy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Boivin
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques / Q000379:methods; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D029121:Metapneumovirus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009305:Nasopharynx / Q000821:virology*; D018184:Paramyxoviridae Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000821:virology*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D000956:Antigens, Viral