Abstract
Background: In 2001, dutch researchers reported a new virus able to cause high and low acute respiratory infection (ARI) in children. It belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family and constitutes the first human pathogen in the genus Metapneumovirus: human Metapneumovirus (hMPV).
Objective: Report a retrospective review of 4 infants with hMPV low ARI with severe respiratory failure, admitted in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit between November 2005 and September 2006 and review the literature.
Patients and Methods: Common respiratory virus and Bordetella pertussis were ruled out. Polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the fusion protein(f)of hMPV and Adenovirus cellular culture.
Results: All 4 cases had obstructive bronchial syndrome (OBS), 3 required invasive mechanical ventilation and 2 cases presented spontaneous pneumotorax. Co-infection with Adenovirus was detected in 2 cases. Bacterial cultures were negative. No patients died.
Conclusion: hMPV must be suspected in infants with severe acute respiratory failure. The co-infection with Adenovirus must be ruled out.
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