[Monoinfection of human Metapneumovirus in Cordoba: first clinical and epidemiological research in children with respiratory infection in 2011].
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) RNA virus discovered in 2001, is a pathogen associated with acute respiratory infection (ARI) in children under 5 years; its prevalence ranges from 5-15%. In Córdoba, it is not integrated into the viral research in patients with low IRA (LARI).


OBJECTIVE
Detect hMPV in children under 5 years hospitalized for LARI in the Children's Hospital "Santísima Trinidad" of Cordoba (HNC) in 2011 and describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of monoinfecciones without comorbidity.


METHODS
Prospective, observational study. It includes (informed consent) children under 5 years with LARI of HNC from January to December 2011. The viral detection was performed using immunofluorescence of nasopharyngeal aspirate secretions. Demographic, epidemiological and clinical data of positive cases were recorded.


RESULTS
Of 223 patients enrolled, respiratory viruses were detected in 74 (33.2%). HMPV prevalence was 4.04% (9/223), representing the 2nd place with Parainfluenza 3 (4.04%) after RSV (19.73%). Season from July to December. The average age for hMPV was 7.4 ± 6.8 months (0-60 months), 4/9 males. The average hospital stay in days was 5.6 ± 0.5 and prodrome days: 1.9 days ± 0.6. All patients require oxygen therapy (3.9 ± 1.3 days) without mechanical ventilation. Diagnosis of bronchiolitis cases occurred in 5/9 and 4/9 pneumonia. No complications at discharge.


CONCLUSIONS
First report to document the presence of hMPV in child population of Cordoba. Its prevalence in 2011 was 4, 04%. Among monoinfecciones no fatalities or complications at discharge were recorded.
Instituto de Virología "Dr. J. M. Vanella", Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba.
Pamela Elizabeth
PE
Rodriguez
Instituto de Virología "Dr. J. M. Vanella", Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba.
María Pilar
MP
Adamo
Instituto de Virología "Dr. J. M. Vanella", Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba.
María Gabriela
MG
Paglini
Cátedra de Clínica Pediátrica FCM. UNC.
Laura
L
Moreno
Instituto de Virología "Dr. J. M. Vanella", Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba.
Jorge Augusto
JA
Camara
Instituto de Virología "Dr. J. M. Vanella", Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba.
Alicia
A
Camara
D000208:Acute Disease; D017677:Age Distribution; D001118:Argentina / Q000453:epidemiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D029121:Metapneumovirus; D018184:Paramyxoviridae Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology*; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology*; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology*; D012621:Seasons