Pediatric Human Metapneumovirus Clinical Presentation

  • Author: Joseph Domachowske, MD; Chief Editor: Russell W Steele, MD   more...
 
Updated: Oct 24, 2011
 

History

Patient history in suspected cases of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) should focus on respiratory symptoms, such as rhinorrhea, congestion, cough, dyspnea, and tachypnea.

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Physical

A complete physical examination may reveal rhinorrhea, congestion, cough, tachypnea, wheezing, or rales. A high fever with myalgias has been described in some patients. Respiratory failure may ensue, requiring mechanical ventilation.

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Causes

The respiratory viral pathogen human metapneumovirus causes a spectrum of illnesses, which range from asymptomatic infection to severe bronchiolitis. Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza virus type 1, human metapneumovirus, and human parainfluenza virus type 3 are all known to cause clinical bronchiolitis. Although RSV has been reported to cause as many as 90% of bronchiolitis cases in infants, the relative contribution of human metapneumovirus remains undetermined.

Human metapneumovirus is a negative-sense nonsegmented RNA virus that has been categorized in the pneumovirus subfamily, family Paramyxoviridae, based on genomic sequence and gene constellation.

Phylogenetic tree showing sequence analysis of humPhylogenetic tree showing sequence analysis of human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Joseph Domachowske, MD  Professor of Pediatrics, Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, State University of New York Upstate Medical University

Joseph Domachowske, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Society for Microbiology, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Itzhak Brook, MD, MSc  Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University School of Medicine

Itzhak Brook, MD, MSc is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine, American Federation for Clinical Research, American Medical Association, American Society for Microbiology, Armed Forces Infectious Diseases Society, Association of Military Surgeons of the US, Infectious Diseases Society of America, International Immunocompromised Host Society, International Society for Infectious Diseases, Medical Society of the District of Columbia, New York Academy of Sciences, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, Society for Ear, Nose and Throat Advances in Children, Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine, Society for Pediatric Research, Southern Medical Association, and Surgical Infection Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mary L Windle, PharmD  Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Leslie L Barton, MD  Professor Emerita of Pediatrics, University of Arizona College of Medicine

Leslie L Barton, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, Association of Pediatric Program Directors, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP  Director, Pediatric Hospitalist Program, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine

Daniel Rauch, MD, FAAP is a member of the following medical societies: Ambulatory Pediatric Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Society of Hospital Medicine

Disclosure: Baxter Honoraria Consulting

Chief Editor

Russell W Steele, MD  Head, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Ochsner Children's Health Center; Clinical Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine

Russell W Steele, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Immunologists, American Pediatric Society, American Society for Microbiology, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Louisiana State Medical Society, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, Society for Pediatric Research, and Southern Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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Phylogenetic tree showing sequence analysis of human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
 
 
 
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