Human metapneumovirus frequency in Iranian children with respiratory symptoms

Abstract

Aim: Characterization of epidemiologic features of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection is not well defined in Iran. We studied the prevalence of hMPV infection among children who had upper respiratory tract complaints (February–May 2013). Materials & methods: The nasal Dacron swab specimens of 200 children with upper respiratory tract complaints were collected and tested for hMPV by RT-PCR assay. Results: A total of 10% of patients were positive for hMPV. There was no significant difference in symptoms between positive or negative patients for hMPV. However, respiratory symptoms, such as cough, coryza and fever had higher rates in hMPV-positive patients. Conclusion: hMPV may be an important cause of respiratory tract infection in Iranian children.