Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Human Metapneumovirus

Abstract

Abstract Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a member of the genus Orthopneumovirus , family Pneumoviridae , order Mononegavirales . Most general viral specimen collection principles also apply to specimen collection for RSV detection and culture. Although RSV can be visualized by electron microscopy, its application has been limited to research laboratories. However, characteristic syncytial cytopathic effects in lung biopsies can facilitate the diagnosis. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) virus belongs to the order Mononegavirales , the family Pneumoviridae , and the genus Metapneumovirus , which also includes avian metapneumovirus, also known as turkey rhinotracheitis virus, a cause of respiratory tract infections in turkeys, ducks, and chickens. HMPV is the only human pathogen within the genus Metapneumovirus . Orthopneumovirus , the other genus in the family Pneumoviridae , includes the closely related human RSV.