Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of human metapneumovirus infections in Central China post COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective analysis

Abstract

Abstract Purpose We aim to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections after COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This retrospective single-center study included participants with laboratory confirmed HMPV infection who were admitted to Henan Children's Hospital from April 29 to June 5, 2023. Demographic data, clinical records, and laboratory indicators were analyzed. Stratified analysis was performed based on the duration from illness onset to hospitalization. Results From April 29 to June 5, 2023, 96 pediatric patients (33.5 months, interquartile range (IQR) 12 ~ 48 months), were identified to be infected with HMPV. The majority (87.5%) of infected children were no more than 5 years and the distribution of age among severe and mild groups was significantly different. Most patients had fever (81.3%) or cough (92.7%) and more patients in the severe group had wheezing (56% vs 21.1%). 43 patients were infected by one other viruses and coinfection with EBV (15.6%) or HRV type A (12.5%) was the most common. The rate of HRSV coinfection was significantly higher in the severe group (20% vs 1.4%). Bacterial coinfection was detected among 74 patients, including Hin in 50 children (52.1%), SNP in 40 children (41.7%). There was greater evidence of multiple-organ damage in severe patients, since severe patients presented with much more abnormal levels of laboratory indicators. Lower concentration of IL-12p70, decline of lymphocytes percentage, and elevated percentage of B lymphocyte in severe patients exhibited a statistical significance. Additionally, most of the indicators changed significantly after 4 ~ 5 days of onset. Conclusions Our data systemically presented the clinical and epidemiological features of pediatric patients with HMPV infection, which might be instructive to policy development for the prevention and control of HMPV infection and might provide important clues for HMPV research after the COVID-19 pandemic.