Infección por metapneumovirus humano en niños hospitalizados por una enfermedad respiratoria aguda grave: Descripción clínico- epidemiológica

Abstract

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a newly recognized virus associated with upper and lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). A prospective - 2 - years study aimed to evaluate the circulation rate and the clinical features associated with hMPV infection was conducted in children hospitalized by a severe LRTI. Results: hMPV was found in 24 (10.5%) out of the 229 children enrolled. 42%> hMPV patients were under 12 months-old and 58% have at least one risk factor for severe course of the illness. The most common diagnosis was pneumonia (62.5%). Fourty two percent of the patients required assisted ventilation for severe respiratory failure. Co-infections with other respiratory viruses did not result in greater severity of illness. In conclusion our study supports the significant role of hMPV as a major pathogen in severe LRTI in children.