A case series on common cold to severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children following human metapneumovirus infection in Sri Lanka

Abstract

ObjectivesThe prevalence of hMPV infections in Sri Lanka has not been reported and here we report a case series of hMPV infection in children less than 5 years. Patients with ARTI were included from Teaching Hospital, Anuradhapura from March 2013 to August 2014. Indirect fluorescence assay was performed on nasopharyngeal aspirates for the identification of respiratory viruses [respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza virus 1, 2 and 3, influenza A and B and hMPV]. Moreover, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was done to further confirm the hMPV infection.ResultsIn this case series, hMPV infection showed a range of respiratory symptoms from common cold to life threatening lower respiratory tract infections with varying severity. In some cases, the clinical presentation of hMPV infection was similar to the ARTI caused by RSV. hMPV co-infections with of RSV have also been seen in some cases of ARTI. A child delivered through cesarean section and birth order > 3 has an Odds ratio of 3.5 and 4.3 (95% CI) for developing co-infection with RSV compared to hMPV mono-infections. Lack of diagnostic facilities to identify the viral aetiology has contributed to the use of antibiotics indicating the need for establishing viral diagnostic facilities in the country.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3239-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Human metapneumovirus in pediatric patients with acute respiratory tract infections in the Aseer region of Saudi Arabia

“…[9] Co-infection with both viruses can also occur, resulting in a more complicated and serious clinical disease. [318] In addition to the pediatric population, studies have also found hMPV to infect adults[19] and elderly people. [20] In terms of transmission, hMPV spreads through contact with contaminated secretions, i.e., droplet, aerosol or fomites.…”

“…In young children, infections are usually not asymptomatic, and bronchiolitis, with or without pneumonia, is the most common associated presentation. [182021] Other reported conditions include bronchial asthma exacerbation, otitis media, pneumonitis, flu-like illness and community-acquired pneumonia. [9] In adults, hMPV has been associated with bronchitis, pneumonia and exacerbations of both bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.…”

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“…Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) remains one of the most common viral causes of acute respiratory tract infections, especially in children, elderly, and immunocompromised populations. Clinical symptoms can range from mild respiratory disease to severe bronchiolitis and pneumonia, some of which require hospitalization [ 15 , 16 ]. Because the lungs are one of the largest mucosal surfaces in the human body and contain mucus with a vast variety of mucin proteins, further studies are necessary to define the role of these various mucins, both in normal functioning lungs, as well as injured and infected lungs.…”