Abstract

THE ROLE OF HUMAN METAPNEUMOVIRUS (HMPV) IN PEDIATRIC RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS: A REVIEW OF HOSPITALIZATION RATES AND MORTALITY

Utkarsh R. Mandage*, Jagruti R. Patil, Krutika R. Atwal, Ganeshmal D. Chaudhari, Ashwini I. Patil and Harshal D. Borse

ABSTRACT

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is an emerging and often underrecognized respiratory pathogen, playing a critical role in pediatric respiratory infections. As a member of the Metapneumovirus genus within the Paramyxoviridae family, hMPV closely resembles Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in its clinical presentation, contributing to significant morbidity among young children. Although hMPV is increasingly recognized as a major cause of pediatric hospitalization, it has not been as thoroughly studied as other viral pathogens like RSV and influenza, especially concerning its direct impact on hospitalization rates and mortality. This review explores the epidemiology of hMPV, focusing on its seasonal trends, the age groups most susceptible, and the rising incidence of severe respiratory illness in pediatric patients. While typically mild, hMPV infections can lead to serious complications, including bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, resulting in hospitalizations and, in rare cases, death. This is particularly concerning for high-risk children, including infants, those with underlying chronic conditions, and immunocompromised individuals. The pathogenesis of hMPV involves complex interactions with the host’s immune system, leading to airway inflammation and obstruction. While many infections resolve with supportive care, a subset of cases progress to more severe outcomes, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and intervention. However, diagnosing hMPV remains challenging due to symptom overlap with other viral infections, and the lack of rapid diagnostic tools often delays appropriate treatment. Despite ongoing research into vaccines and antiviral therapies, management remains largely supportive. This review underscores the necessity for further research into effective treatment options and preventive measures, such as vaccines, to reduce the disease burden of hMPV and its associated hospitalization rates and mortality in pediatric populations.

Keywords: Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV), Pediatric Respiratory Infections, Hospitalization Rates, Mortality, Bronchiolitis, Pneumonia, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Vaccine Development, Supportive Care, High-Risk Populatio