Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) associated with respiratory infection in children hospitalized with acute lower respiratory tract infection in Hilla, Iraq

Abstract

Acute respiratory infection (ARI) and lower respiratory tract infection (LRI) are the main cause of childhood
death world wide. Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and respiratory syncytial virus are the most frequently
implicated in childhood illness. The study aim to provide first information about circulation of hMPV in
Hilla–Iraq. The current study utilized direct immunoflourescent antibody technique to identify hMPV in
nasopharyngeal swabs specimens. The samples were collected from 150 infants (few days-to two years of
age) who had acute respiratory tract infection and were admitted to Babylon Maternity and Children
Hospital in Hilla. The results of direct immunofluorescent assays revealed that 13.3% of patients were
positive for hMPV and most of them were less than 2-3 months of age. The females were more affected than
male at a ratio of (1.5:1), the reinfection with multiple times was found in 5 cases during the same hMPV
season. The hMPV should be considered as a serious cause of ARI as well as RSV. The study
recommended a direct immunofluorescent assay as a good and reliable test for hMPV diagnosis in our
country