Human Metapneumovirus, Peru
2006

Human Metapneumovirus in Peru

Sample size: 420 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Gray Gregory C., Capuano Ana W., Setterquist Sharon F., Sanchez Jose L., Neville James S., Olson James, Lebeck Mark G A, McCarthy Troy, Abed Yacine, Boivin Guy

Primary Institution: University of Iowa College of Public Health

Hypothesis

We sought to detect and genotype HMPV in Latin American patients with influenzalike illness.

Conclusion

HMPV is circulating in Peru, with a low prevalence among patients with influenzalike illness, particularly in younger children.

Supporting Evidence

  • 12 out of 420 specimens tested positive for HMPV.
  • 6 of the 12 positive specimens were cultured successfully.
  • HMPV was more commonly detected in children under 7 years of age.

Takeaway

The study looked at sick people in Peru and found a virus called HMPV in some of them, especially in young kids.

Methodology

The study used RT-PCR to test pharyngeal swabs from patients with influenzalike illness.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the retrospective nature of the study and reliance on clinical reports.

Limitations

The study's findings may be affected by delays in sequencing and multiple freeze-thaw cycles of specimens.

Participant Demographics

Patients included both male and female, with a median age of 11 years and a range from less than 1 to 89 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.006

Confidence Interval

95% CI 1.3–13.8

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3201/eid1202.051133

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