Abstract

HUMAN METAPNEUMOVIRUS (hMPV): A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF ITS EPIDEMIOLOGY, PATHOGENESIS, CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS, AND FUTURE THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES

*Utkarsh Ravindra Mandage, Indrayani Sambhaji Pagare, Jagruti Ravindra Patil, Prajakta Mothabhau Thakare, Heena Kishor Mahajan and Bhavana Dnyaneshwar Mahajan

ABSTRACT

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is an emerging and significant respiratory pathogen, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Initially discovered in 2001, hMPV belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family and is closely related to other respiratory viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Despite its widespread occurrence, hMPV remains underrecognized in clinical settings, often causing mild to severe respiratory infections, including bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and upper respiratory tract infections. This virus primarily spreads via respiratory droplets and has seasonal peaks similar to other respiratory pathogens. The molecular biology of hMPV involves a complex replication cycle within host cells, utilizing the fusion (F) and glycoprotein (G) proteins to facilitate viral entry, replication, and immune evasion. The clinical spectrum of hMPV infection varies from mild cold-like symptoms to life-threatening pneumonia, particularly in young children and the elderly. Co-infection with other respiratory viruses, such as RSV and influenza, complicates diagnosis and treatment, making it challenging to manage hMPV infections effectively. Diagnostic methods for hMPV are primarily based on nucleic acid amplification techniques like RT-PCR, but limitations in diagnostic testing often lead to underdiagnosis, especially in resource-limited settings. Current management of hMPV infections is mainly supportive, with no specific antiviral treatments available. While corticosteroids and bronchodilators may provide some relief, their efficacy remains controversial. Research into antiviral drugs targeting hMPV has shown promising results, but no specific therapies are yet approved for clinical use. Vaccine development remains an important area of research. Current efforts are focused on developing vaccines that target key viral proteins, such as the fusion protein (F), which plays a critical role in viral entry into host cells. However, the lack of an effective vaccine for hMPV continues to be a public health concern, particularly in areas with limited access to medical care. This review highlights the need for further research to understand the full epidemiological impact of hMPV, improve diagnostic methods, and develop effective therapeutic and preventive strategies. Addressing these research gaps will be crucial in reducing the global burden of respiratory infections caused by hMPV and improving patient outcomes in vulnerable populations.

Keywords: Human Metapneumovirus, hMPV, respiratory infections, epidemiology, pathogenesis, viral replication, immune response, clinical manifestations, diagnostics, therapeutic strategies, vaccine development, antiviral therapies, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, seasonal