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2000
Volume 21, Issue 5
  • ISSN: 1573-398X
  • E-ISSN: 1875-6387

Abstract

HMPV represents a major cause of respiratory illness particularly among vulnerable populations, first discovered in 2001 by Dutch researchers. Retrospective studies have revealed its silent circulation since the 1950s, with genetic evidence suggesting an ancestral link to avian metapneumovirus (AMPV) through a zoonotic transmission event. HMPV is a member of the Paramyxoviridae family and is genetically stable, with two primary lineages, A and B, circulating globally. It is a common cause of seasonal respiratory infections, particularly affecting infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, often leading to bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and hospitalization. The virus peaks in late winter and early spring, imposing a significant public health and economic burden. Current management involves supportive care, with no approved vaccines or antiviral treatments available. However, promising advancements in vaccine development and monoclonal antibody research provide hope for future prevention and therapeutic strategies. Increased surveillance, public health awareness, and continued research are essential for controlling HMPV's impact.

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Recent Advances in HMPV: The Silent Threat to Respiratory Health
Curr. Respir. Med. Rev. 21, 441 (2025); https://doi.org/10.2174/011573398X384589250617115624
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  • Article Type:     Review Article
Keyword(s): Human metapneumovirus; immunocompromised; monoclonal antibodies; paramyxoviridae; public health; respiratory virus; seasonal infections; vaccine development; zoonotic transmission

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