title: The human metapneumovirus: a case series and review of the literature.
abstract: Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is an emerging human pulmonary pathogen that is genetically related to respiratory syncytial virus. It has been increasingly associated with respiratory illnesses over the last few decades. Immunocompromised patients are particularly susceptible with resultant morbidity and mortality. We describe our experience with 9 immunocompromised patients diagnosed with pneumonia secondary to hMPV, 2 of whom were successfully treated with aerosolized and oral ribavirin along with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). We suggest that hMPV should be considered in the differential diagnosis of immunocompromised patients with acute respiratory illness. Ribavirin (oral and aerosolized) with IVIG is potentially an effective treatment option for those with severe disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. shahdas@iupui.edu
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shahda
authors.forename: W G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Carlos
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Kiel
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Hage
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016040:Lung Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D029121:Metapneumovirus; D008875:Middle Aged; D018184:Paramyxoviridae Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000821:virology; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D012254:Ribavirin