Comparison of human metapneumovirus infection with respiratory syncytial virus infection in children

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2009 Nov;28(11):1022-4. doi: 10.1097/INF.0b013e3181aa6853.

Abstract

We aimed to validate a direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA) for the detection of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) from nasal swabs and to determine the incidence and clinical features of this viral infection in a pediatric population. One hundred twenty-one of 3026 nasal swabs were positive for hMPV by DFA (4.0%). Compared with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, the sensitivity and specificity of DFA were 90%, and 100%, respectively. Compared with RSV, hMPV infection was more common in children with congenital abnormalities, particularly those with cardio-pulmonary dysplasia and was associated with an increased ventilatory requirement.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct / methods*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Metapneumovirus / isolation & purification*
  • Nasal Cavity / virology
  • Paramyxoviridae Infections / diagnosis*
  • Paramyxoviridae Infections / epidemiology*
  • Paramyxoviridae Infections / pathology
  • Paramyxoviridae Infections / physiopathology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / pathology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / physiopathology
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Sensitivity and Specificity