Human metapneumovirus infection
Alerts and Notices
Important News & Links
Synopsis
Infection due to the human metapneumovirus is a common cause of acute respiratory tract infections.
Most infections occur in the winter and spring. Most children will have been exposed to this virus by age 5. Reinfections throughout life are possible, and infections occur in all age groups.
The human metapneumovirus can cause both upper and lower respiratory tract infections, and there are wide variations in clinical manifestations. On one end of the spectrum, patients have symptoms of the common cold. Patients with pneumonia may have severe infection and associated acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Children typically present with fever, cough, and rhinorrhea. Wheezing may be present. Rash may occur in some patients.
In adults, the symptoms of infection due to this organism are nonspecific, and similar symptoms may be seen due to infection with other respiratory viruses. Older patients with chronic cardiopulmonary disease who are infected with the human metapneumovirus are at increased risk of hospitalization.
Immunocompromised patients (especially following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation) are at increased risk of severe infection and respiratory failure due to this infection. In one review, patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and developed this infection presented with nonspecific symptoms including fever, cough, and nasal congestion.
Chest radiograph findings are nonspecific. Multilobar infiltrates and small pleural effusions may be seen.
Note: In 2022 and 2023, pediatric invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections and noninvasive group A streptococcal infection cases have been associated with respiratory infections due to human metapneumovirus, among other viruses. Concurrent or preceding viral infections, including varicella (chickenpox), may increase risk for iGAS infection. Severe outcomes of iGAS infections include necrotizing fasciitis, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, and death.
Most infections occur in the winter and spring. Most children will have been exposed to this virus by age 5. Reinfections throughout life are possible, and infections occur in all age groups.
The human metapneumovirus can cause both upper and lower respiratory tract infections, and there are wide variations in clinical manifestations. On one end of the spectrum, patients have symptoms of the common cold. Patients with pneumonia may have severe infection and associated acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Children typically present with fever, cough, and rhinorrhea. Wheezing may be present. Rash may occur in some patients.
In adults, the symptoms of infection due to this organism are nonspecific, and similar symptoms may be seen due to infection with other respiratory viruses. Older patients with chronic cardiopulmonary disease who are infected with the human metapneumovirus are at increased risk of hospitalization.
Immunocompromised patients (especially following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation) are at increased risk of severe infection and respiratory failure due to this infection. In one review, patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and developed this infection presented with nonspecific symptoms including fever, cough, and nasal congestion.
Chest radiograph findings are nonspecific. Multilobar infiltrates and small pleural effusions may be seen.
Note: In 2022 and 2023, pediatric invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections and noninvasive group A streptococcal infection cases have been associated with respiratory infections due to human metapneumovirus, among other viruses. Concurrent or preceding viral infections, including varicella (chickenpox), may increase risk for iGAS infection. Severe outcomes of iGAS infections include necrotizing fasciitis, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, and death.
Codes
ICD10CM:
B97.81 – Human metapneumovirus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
SNOMEDCT:
416730002 – Human Metapneumovirus
B97.81 – Human metapneumovirus as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
SNOMEDCT:
416730002 – Human Metapneumovirus
Look For
Subscription Required
Diagnostic Pearls
Subscription Required
Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential
Subscription Required
Best Tests
Subscription Required
Management Pearls
Subscription Required
Therapy
Subscription Required
References
Subscription Required
Last Reviewed:06/04/2023
Last Updated:04/06/2023
Last Updated:04/06/2023