Popular guidelines / January 10, 2020

How do you test for metapneumovirus in humans?

Two rapid antigen detection methods are available: an immunofluorescent-antibody test and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The ELISA method with mouse polyclonal antibodies to hMPV has been reported to enable detection of hMPV antigens of hMPV-infected cells in culture (28).

Is metapneumovirus the same as Covid 19?

Despite the current clinical focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians should keep in mind that HMPV-infection may mimic COVID-19 and is also associated with serious adverse outcomes.

Is human metapneumovirus rare?

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a common respiratory virus that causes an upper respiratory infection (like a cold). It is a seasonal disease that usually occurs in the winter and early spring, similar to RSV and the flu.

How long does human metapneumovirus last on surfaces?

These viruses can survive on surfaces for many hours. People infected with HMPV usually show symptoms within three to six days after getting infected.

How common is human metapneumovirus?

Results Using reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction and serologic testing, we identified HMPV infection in 2.2% to 10.5% of the 3 prospectively followed-up outpatient cohorts annually. Asymptomatic infection was common, accounting for at least 38.8% of infections in each of the cohorts.

What is the treatment for metapneumovirus?

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.

What is the incubation period for human metapneumovirus?

The estimated incubation period is 3 to 6 days, and the median duration of illness can vary depending upon severity but is similar to other respiratory infections caused by viruses.

Is metapneumovirus same as pneumonia?

The same as with other common respiratory viruses, hMPV is usually associated with non-severe pneumonia, whereas risk factors like immunosuppression, specific comorbidities—chronic lung disease, heart disease, blood disorders— elderly and living in long-term care facilities are associated with a higher risk of severe …

How do you treat human metapneumovirus?

Can human metapneumovirus be treated? Supportive treatment for patients varies with the severity of the illness but generally treatment consists of fever reducers, antihistamines, breathing treatments and other means of providing comfort to the patient until the illness resolves.

Can you get human metapneumovirus twice?

Limited data suggests that reinfection with hMPV can occur. It is believed most children become infected early in life and adult infections represent persons becoming infected with hMPV again.

Does metapneumovirus require isolation?

When patients with HMPV infection are hospitalized, infection control measures similar to those taken in case of RSV infection should be taken including droplet isolation until clinical recovery.

What causes metapneumovirus?

What Causes hMPV? hMPV is most commonly spread from person to person through close contact with someone who is infected via secretions from coughing and sneezing or touching objects such as toys or doorknobs that have the virus on them.