Resumen

PRADO S, M. Alejandra et al. Human metapneumovirus as hospitalization cause in children under 3 years old with acute respiratory infections during 2004. Rev. chil. infectol. [online]. 2007, vol.24, n.1, pp. 19-26. ISSN 0716-1018.  doi: 10.4067/S0716-10182007000100003.

Human metapneumovirus was detected in 15 of 123 children (12%) younger than 3 years of age hospitalized for treatment of acute respiratory infection between July and November 2004. The virus was detected by RT-PCR directly from nasopharyngeal swabs and/or from supernatants after cell culture. Children infected with hMPV were mostly younger than one year of age (67%), all presenting with fever and cough. The main cause for hospitalization was the need for oxygen therapy (73%). Four hMPV positive children had an identifiable co-morbid condition but had a similar clinical evolution when compared to previously healthy infants. Chest radiography showed an increase in interstitial infiltrates with focal consolidation in 6 children. Obstructive bronchial syndrome and bronchiolitis, with or without pneumonia, were the most frequent diagnosis associated with hMPV positivity. A rapid and sensitive diagnostic method is required to improve diagnosis and treatment of these patients

Palabras clave : Metapneumovirus; respiratory tract infections; reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).