Metapneumovirus humano: origen, patogenia y desafíos en el control de un patógeno respiratorio emergente.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	Metapneumovirus humano: origen, patogenia y desafíos en el control de un patógeno respiratorio emergente.
Alternate Title:	Human metapneumovirus: origin, pathogenesis, and challenges in the control of an emerging respiratory pathogen.
Authors:	Luque Espino, Julio César¹ jluquee@usmp.pe, de León Delgado, Joel¹, Pareja Cruz, Arturo¹
Source:	Revista Horizonte Médico. oct-dic2025, Vol. 25 Issue 4, p1-9. 9p.
Abstract (English):	Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), first identified in 2001 in the Netherlands, is a respiratory virus belonging to the family Pneumoviridae that affects individuals of all ages, particularly young children, older adults, and immunocompromised patients. Despite its recent identification, retrospective studies indicate that it has been circulating since the 1950s. It is classified into two main genotypes (A and B) and four subgroups (A1, A2, B1, B2), exhibiting genetic variability that complicates the development of effective vaccines. hMPV is an enveloped, negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus that uses the F protein for fusion and cell entry, while the G protein contributes to immune evasion. Both proteins are key to its pathogenicity and modulation of the host immune response. Infection may range from mild to severe, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in high-risk individuals. Coinfections with other respiratory viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), exacerbate the clinical presentation. The diagnosis of hMPV is based on molecular techniques, with RT-PCR considered the gold standard due to its high sensitivity and specificity. Rapid methods, such as multiplex PCR, allow simultaneous identification of multiple pathogens, thereby improving clinical management. Although experimental antiviral therapies have been developed, current treatment is supportive, focusing on symptomatic relief and oxygen therapy in severe cases. Inhaled ribavirin has shown potential in critical situations, but its use remains limited. To date, no vaccines have been approved for hMPV. Current efforts concentrate on developing vaccines candidates targeting the F protein, as well as mRNA- and virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccines. Preventive strategies emphasize respiratory hygiene measures, isolation of positive cases, and public health education to reduce transmission. hMPV remains an important cause of acute respiratory infections, characterized by its ability to cause reinfection due to insufficient acquired immunity. Continued research is essential to develop effective interventions that improve patient prognosis and reduce the global burden of this infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Abstract (Spanish):	El metapneumovirus humano (hMPV), descubierto en 2001 en los Países Bajos, es un virus respiratorio perteneciente a la familia Pneumoviridae que afecta a personas de todas las edades, especialmente a niños pequeños, adultos mayores e inmunocomprometidos. A pesar de su reciente identificación, estudios retrospectivos indican que ha estado circulando desde la década de 1950. Se clasifica en dos genotipos principales (A y B) y cuatro subgrupos (A1, A2, B1, B2), y presenta tal variabilidad genética, que complica el desarrollo de vacunas efectivas. El hMPV es un virus envuelto de ARN monocatenario negativo que emplea la proteína F para la fusión y la entrada a la célula huésped, mientras que la proteína G contribuye a la evasión inmune. Ambas son claves en su capacidad patogénica y en la modulación de la respuesta inmunitaria del hospedador. La infección puede variar desde cuadros leves hasta graves, como bronquiolitis y neumonía, especialmente en individuos con factores de riesgo. Las coinfecciones con otros virus respiratorios, como el virus sincitial respiratorio (VSR), agravan el cuadro clínico. El diagnóstico del hMPV se realiza mediante técnicas moleculares como la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa reversa (RT-PCR), considerada el método de referencia por su alta sensibilidad y especificidad. Métodos rápidos, como la PCR multiplex, permiten la identificación simultánea de múltiples patógenos, mejorando el manejo clínico. Aunque se han desarrollado terapias antivirales experimentales, el tratamiento actualmente es de soporte, enfocado en el alivio sintomático, y la oxigenoterapia en casos graves. La ribavirina inhalada ha mostrado potencial en situaciones críticas, pero su uso sigue siendo limitado. Hasta la fecha, no existen vacunas aprobadas contra el hMPV. Los esfuerzos se centran en el desarrollo de candidatos vacunales basados en la proteína F, así como en vacunas de ARNm y de partículas similares a virus (VLP). Las estrategias preventivas se enfocan en medidas de higiene respiratoria, aislamiento de casos positivos y educación en salud pública para reducir la transmisión. El hMPV sigue siendo una causa relevante de infecciones respiratorias agudas, destacándose por su capacidad de reinfección debido a la insuficiente inmunidad adquirida. La investigación continua es fundamental para el desarrollo de intervenciones efectivas que mejoren el pronóstico de los pacientes afectados y reduzcan la carga global de esta infección. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	MedicLatina

Description
Abstract:	Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), first identified in 2001 in the Netherlands, is a respiratory virus belonging to the family Pneumoviridae that affects individuals of all ages, particularly young children, older adults, and immunocompromised patients. Despite its recent identification, retrospective studies indicate that it has been circulating since the 1950s. It is classified into two main genotypes (A and B) and four subgroups (A1, A2, B1, B2), exhibiting genetic variability that complicates the development of effective vaccines. hMPV is an enveloped, negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus that uses the F protein for fusion and cell entry, while the G protein contributes to immune evasion. Both proteins are key to its pathogenicity and modulation of the host immune response. Infection may range from mild to severe, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in high-risk individuals. Coinfections with other respiratory viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), exacerbate the clinical presentation. The diagnosis of hMPV is based on molecular techniques, with RT-PCR considered the gold standard due to its high sensitivity and specificity. Rapid methods, such as multiplex PCR, allow simultaneous identification of multiple pathogens, thereby improving clinical management. Although experimental antiviral therapies have been developed, current treatment is supportive, focusing on symptomatic relief and oxygen therapy in severe cases. Inhaled ribavirin has shown potential in critical situations, but its use remains limited. To date, no vaccines have been approved for hMPV. Current efforts concentrate on developing vaccines candidates targeting the F protein, as well as mRNA- and virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccines. Preventive strategies emphasize respiratory hygiene measures, isolation of positive cases, and public health education to reduce transmission. hMPV remains an important cause of acute respiratory infections, characterized by its ability to cause reinfection due to insufficient acquired immunity. Continued research is essential to develop effective interventions that improve patient prognosis and reduce the global burden of this infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	1727558X
DOI:	10.24265/horizmed.2025.v25n4.15