Human Metapneumovirus Treatment & Management

Updated: Aug 06, 2021
  • Author: Varvara Probst, MD; Chief Editor: Pranatharthi Haran Chandrasekar, MBBS, MD  more...
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Treatment

Medical Care

No specific FDA approved antiviral therapy is currently available for human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection. Routine treatment includes symptomatic care, with respiratory support when required.

Ribavirin, which has broad antiviral activity, has been shown to have activity against hMPV in vitro. [42] Additionally, treatment with ribavirin in hMPV-infected cotton rats demonstrated decreased viral replication in the lungs and decreased pulmonary inflammation. [43]  Case reports have supported oral ribavirin therapy with concomitant intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) for improving symptoms in immunosuppressed persons. [50]  IV ribavirin was used in an adult immunocompromised population with uncertain benefits.  However, the use of ribavirin in any viral infection remains controversial, and no randomized controlled trials were conducted to assess the benefits of ribavirin. [78]