Performance of a rapid human metapneumovirus antigen test during an outbreak in a long-term care facility

Epidemiol Infect. 2014 Feb;142(2):424-7. doi: 10.1017/S0950268813001246. Epub 2013 May 23.

Abstract

Using a newly developed rapid test, an outbreak of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection in a long-term care facility was detected within only 2 days after the onset of symptoms in a putative index case. The outbreak was almost under control within 8 days mainly by zoning patients, with the exception of two cases of HMPV that were diagnosed 16 and 17 days after the onset of the outbreak. According to an immunological diagnosis as well as the rapid test, it was eventually proven that 18 patients had HMPV infections. We suspected that even asymptomatic residents, who had not been completely separated from the facility population, were a source of infection. That suggested that all asymptomatic residents should be tested and that the separation of the infected patients should be absolute, if an outbreak of HMPV infection is suspected in such a facility.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antigens, Viral / immunology*
  • Asymptomatic Infections / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disease Outbreaks / prevention & control
  • Disease Outbreaks / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Japan / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Metapneumovirus / immunology*
  • Nursing Homes* / statistics & numerical data
  • Paramyxoviridae Infections / diagnosis*
  • Paramyxoviridae Infections / epidemiology
  • Paramyxoviridae Infections / prevention & control
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic / virology*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antigens, Viral
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic