Human Metapneumovirus - An Overview

What Is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is contagious and spreads at a faster rate, especially during winter and summer, which coincides with flu season. Individuals who had close contact with patients affected by human metapneumovirus are affected. This disease has symptoms similar to the common cold but becomes severe for patients with underlying systemic conditions. The commonly affected age group is children below five years of age. The chance of recurrence is high in human metapneumovirus.

How Is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Transmitted?

The causes of human metapneumovirus transmission are as follows;

1. The main cause of the HMP virus outbreak is viral transmission through droplets. It is obtained while touching the other person's hands during gestures.

2. It can also spread during a hug or kiss.

3. The virus stays as an airborne particle when the infected person sneezes or coughs vigorously without covering the mouth.

4. As HMPV is contagious, using the handles of the door that is touched by the person affected by human metapneumovirus (HMPV) might spread the infection.

5. The infection lasts on the surface or teacups or things that are used by the person affected by human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

Is HMPV Similar to the COVID-19 Virus?

No, both viruses are not the same. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common virus responsible for respiratory tract infections affecting children, adults, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

The RNA genome of this virus measures approximately 13,300 nucleotides in length. In 2016, HMPV underwent reclassification from the Paramyxoviridae family to the Pneumoviridae family.

COVID-19 is an RNA (ribonucleic acid) virus belonging to a member of the Orthocoronaviridae subfamily. This particular virus usually causes a self-limiting infection of mild to moderate severity in humans.

The initial occurrence of the COVID-19 outbreak was recorded in China during the latter part of 2019. Upon examination, the genome of this novel coronavirus exhibits resemblances to other β-CoV strains found in bats, which is associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and COVID-19 infections.

What Are the Symptoms of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

As already discussed HMPV virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets. The incubation period of this virus is five to six days. The symptoms of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) usually last for about two to four days. Consult the physician if the symptoms last for more than two weeks because severe symptoms can lead to life-threatening respiratory diseases.

1. Symptoms In Children: Children are most commonly affected by this virus. HMPV symptoms in children include fever, running nose, cough, wheezing, and sore throat. In severe cases, symptoms like pneumonia can be seen due to the involvement of the upper respiratory tract. Also, bronchitis and laryngitis are observed.

2. Symptoms In Adults: Adults are not frequently affected by HMPV outbreaks. However, HMPV symptoms are commonly neglected due to their resemblance to the common flu. Despite this, HMPV infection may cause serious complications in the elderly and medically compromised persons. The common symptoms of HMPV infections are:

1. Asthma - The air passages become inflamed due to human metapneumovirus. It also tightens the breathing muscles and can result in severe flare-ups.

2. Cough - The human metapneumovirus irritates the lining of the throat and produces sputum while coughing.

3. Sore Throat - Some individuals have a sore throat and trouble swallowing due to irritation.

4. Runny Nose - The mucus present in fluid consistency oozes out of the nose due to viral infection. It occurs especially during cold weather. The nose becomes inflamed and red due to frequent sneezing.

5. Nasal Congestion - The airflow is blocked due to nasal congestion. It occurs due to mucus secretion or due to inflammation in the tiny blood vessels present in the nose.

6. Shortness of Breath - The patient is unable to take deep breaths and feels a tightness in the chest. HMPV pneumonia can be seen due to the involvement of the lower respiratory tract.

7. Wheezing - The human metapneumovirus affects the upper respiratory tract and causes a striking whistling sound during exhalation. The sound is mild during inhalation.

8. Gastrointestinal Problems - Some patients have nausea and diarrhea due to frequent human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections.

What Are the Risk Factors for Human Metapneumovirus?

The various medical conditions that are at higher risk for human metapneumovirus infection are as follows;

1. Lung Transplant - The individual with a lung transplant may have lung dysfunction due to rejection. In such cases, the human metapneumovirus affects the individual.

2. Lung Tumor - The patient with lung cancer has a low immunity against infections. They are more prone to human metapneumovirus.

3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) - The human metapneumovirus may irritate the bronchial tubes. So the air passages become inflamed and result in bronchitis. An individual with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) is frequently affected by human metapneumovirus (HMPV). It worsens the condition due to breathlessness.

4. Medically Compromised Situation: A situation that might lead to immune deficiency, such as HIV, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, is associated with an increased risk of HMPV infection.

What Are the Complications of Human Metapneumovirus?

HMPV complications include;

1. Pneumonia: Involvement of the lower respiratory tract often leads to severe breathing problems caused by pneumonia.

2. Bronchiolitis: Inflammation of the small airways of the lungs may cause this.

3. Secondary Infections: In medically compromised patients, such infections often cause secondary infections.

What Are the Diagnostic Methods for Detecting Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

The healthcare professional will inquire about the patient's past medical history and family history to determine if the individual has serious symptoms. The human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is detected in laboratory examination by the following methods;

1. Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT - PCR) Test.

2. Enzyme Immunoassay or Immunofluorescence Test.

3. Bronchoscopy.

How to Prevent Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Infection?

As already mentioned, HMPV is a very common virus. Prevention for such viral infections is difficult. However, one can take certain steps to prevent this;

1. Wearing masks can be helpful.

2. As this is an airborne virus, one can use hand sanitizer to clean hands and surfaces for preventive purposes.

3. Elderly and children should stay away from persons suffering from HMPV infection.

What Are the Treatment Procedures for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

Human metapneumovirus cannot be cured completely. However, the symptoms can be prevented with certain treatment measures. Also, one can stay away from persons suffering from potential HMPV infection. Treatment includes;

1. Inhaler - The medical professional prescribes an inhaler with steroids to treat cold and wheezing. Oral Prednisone is given for asthmatic attacks in patients with human metapneumovirus.

2. Oxygen Therapy - Oxygen therapy is provided for patients with serious respiratory ailments.

3. Pain Relievers - In order to relieve pain, painkillers are given. The commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) is Acetaminophen.

4. Decongestants - Asthmatic attacks cause pain and pressure near the sinus areas. It can be relieved by decongestants. Pseudoephedrine is used for human metapneumovirus.

5. Rehydration - Keeping the body hydrated is essential because the infection can occur in the weak immune mechanism. So drink plenty of fluids or water and stay hydrated. If the patient is unable to drink the water due to nausea, then intravenous fluids (IV) are injected.

6. Antipyretics - Ibuprofen is used to treat the fever associated with human metapneumovirus.

The human metapneumovirus (HMPV) vaccine or HMPV vaccine is still not available. Research is going on to develop vaccine for the same.

Conclusion

Elderly people above the age of 65 years and newborns are at higher risk for human metapneumovirus (HMPV). So it is better to take health check-ups regularly, at least once a year. Vaccinations can help to prevent human metapneumovirus. So, all people, including infants and elders, must vaccinate themselves within the appropriate time interval. Every individual should protect themselves from an infected person by staying away from them. Keep the hands free from viral infection by using disinfectant soaps. Develop a habit of cleaning your hands after arriving home. The infected person must stay inside a separate room. The tabletops and surfaces should be rinsed with disinfectants.