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PRINT ISSN : 2319-7692
Online ISSN : 2319-7706 Issues : 12 per year Publisher : Excellent Publishers Email : editorijcmas@gmail.com / submit@ijcmas.com Editor-in-chief: Dr.M.Prakash Index Copernicus ICV 2018: 95.39 NAAS RATING 2020: 5.38 |
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a significant respiratory virus that predominantly impacts infants, young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. First identified in 2001, HMPV is closely related to avian metapneumovirus and ranks among the leading causes of respiratory infections globally, particularly during the winter and early spring seasons. In 2024, northern China experienced a surge in HMPV cases, with the first confirmed cases reported in India in early 2025. The virus presents symptoms similar to other respiratory infections, such as COVID-19 and RSV, but can cause severe complications, including pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and respiratory failure in high-risk groups. HMPV possesses a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA genome and displays genetic diversity, classified into two primary subgroups, A and B. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through RT-PCR, and treatment primarily involves supportive care, including oxygen therapy, hydration, and symptom management. This review synthesizes evidence from published articles indexed in Medline, CINAHL, Social Sciences Citation Index, PsychINFO, selected journals since 2001, and reference lists. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of HMPV, emphasizing the importance of increased awareness and the urgent need for research into preventive and therapeutic measures. The goal is to raise awareness about HMPV in the context of co-circulating respiratory viruses and to emphasize its clinical significance.
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