RESUMEN
Human metapneumovirus [hMPV] is a newly recognized paramyxovirus associated with acute respiratory tract infections [ARTIs] mainly in infants and children. To evaluate the role of hMPV infection in children hospitalized with RTD and to analyze the virologic and clinical features of hMPV infection. Real time Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR] was used to detect N gene of hMPV in 282 nasopharyngeal aspirates that were collected over the period from December 2004 to June 2006, and were also tested for other common respiratory viruses by indirect immunofluorescent assay. Twenty six samples [9.2%] were positive for hMPV, most of them detected during winter months. Respiratory Syncytial Virus [RSV] was detected in 99[35.1%] specimens. RSV Co-infection was detected in 3/26 [11.5%] of hMPV positive specimens. Sequencing of 10 of the 26 hMPV positive samples showed type A predominance [90% vesrus 10% type B]. Culture was performed on 14 of the 26 real time PCR positive specimens and 10 isolates were detected [71%]. Nineteen of the 26 [73%] hMPV positive cases were aged 4 to 12 months whereas 66 of the 99 [66.6%] RSV positive cases occurred mostly during the first 6 months of life. Similar to other viral ARTIs cough, fever, dyspnea and wheezing were the most common symptoms. hMPV was detected in 9.2% of children with ARTIs, mainly in winter months; and mostly at the age of 4-12 months. Both type A and B were detected but the former was more common. Symptoms are similar to those of RSV