Human Metapneumovirus: A Call for Awareness

A BSTRACT Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is an emerging respiratory pathogen of global importance, first identified in 2001. Epidemiologic and clinical similarities to other respiratory viruses make the virus appear in most aspects through similarity with respiratory syncytial virus and influenza. Still, it is a leading cause of respiratory infections ranging from mild symptoms of the upper respiratory tract to severe illness in lower respiratory areas such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Although hMPV proves to be a huge public health problem for some high-risk groups, infants and the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, this importance is largely unrecognized because of insufficient access to diagnostic tests and limited awareness. The virus has a wide range of genetic diversity; there are two major subtypes and numerous sublineages, which could possibly affect its virulence and its regional presence significantly. Presently, no specific vaccines or antivirals have been developed for hMPV. It is highly dependent on routine public health generic preventive measures. This critical review calls for the rapid development of new diagnostic and surveillance tools, as well as intensified research in vaccines and therapeutics targeted against this pathogen. Public health campaigns to increase awareness and preventive strategies are needed to reduce the impact of hMPV on global health.