obsolete Pneumovirus infectious disease

Obsolescence of Pneumovirus Infectious Diseases

Pneumoviruses, a family of negative-strand RNA viruses, were once considered significant causes of respiratory infections in humans and animals. However, with the advancement of medical science and the emergence of new viral threats, their importance as infectious disease agents has diminished.

Historical Context Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), a member of the Pneumoviridae family, was first described in 2001 [12]. It was found to cause significant upper and lower respiratory disease in all age groups worldwide [3]. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing, and masking measures, viral illnesses like hMPV became less prevalent [5].

Current Status While pneumoviruses are still capable of causing minor respiratory infections in adults, their impact has significantly decreased. In children, however, human metapneumovirus can cause severe bronchitis and bronchopneumonia, especially in young children [6]. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), another member of the Pneumoviridae family, is a leading cause of bronchiolitis in children and pneumonia in premature infants and children with risk factors [8].

Epidemiological Shift The epidemiology of pneumovirus infections has shifted over time. While they were once considered significant causes of respiratory illness, their importance has waned due to the emergence of new viral threats and changes in human behavior. Pneumonia, a major cause of death worldwide, is now more commonly associated with other pathogens [9].

Conclusion In summary, pneumoviruses, including human metapneumovirus and RSV, were once considered significant causes of respiratory infections. However, their importance has decreased due to the emergence of new viral threats and changes in human behavior.

References: [1] 3 [2] 5 [3] 6 [4] 8 [5] 9 [6] 12

Incubation Period and General Symptoms

The incubation period for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection is approximately 3 to 6 days [1]. The signs and symptoms of HMPV infection are indistinguishable from those caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). These include acute generalized illness, dry cough, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, increased respiratory rate, and cyanosis [2].

Common Symptoms

The most frequent symptoms of HMPV infections are fever, tachypnea, dyspnea, cough, hypoxia, wheezing, stridor, rhinitis, and sore throat. Otitis media is also a possible symptom [3]. Influenza-like symptoms such as high-grade fever, cough, and sore throat may also be present [4].

Respiratory Symptoms

The spectrum of disease ranges from mild upper respiratory symptoms to severe lower respiratory tract disease with respiratory failure [5]. Most patients present with cough, dyspnea, and fever. Sputum production, wheezing, sore throat, pneumonia, bronchi(oli)tis, conjunctivitis, and other respiratory symptoms may also occur [6].

Pneumonia and Respiratory Failure

Pneumonia caused by HMPV is reportedly more likely to cause bronchial wall thickening and ground-glass opacity (GGO) [7]. Human metapneumovirus infections cause similar symptoms and clinical severity as RSV infections, which can lead to severe lower respiratory tract disease and respiratory failure in some cases [8].

Comparison with Other Respiratory Infections

The signs and symptoms of HMPV infection are similar to those caused by other respiratory viruses such as RSV. However, the exact mechanisms and outcomes may differ between these viruses.

References: [1] LEM Haas · 2012 · Cited by 27 [2] HR van Doorn · 2020 · Cited by 70 [3] The most frequent symptoms of HMPV infections are fever, tachypnea, dyspnea, cough, hypoxia, wheezing, stridor, rhinitis, and sore throat, and otitis media is ... [4] by L Gandhi · 2022 · Cited by 31 — Influenza infections cause both respiratory disease symptoms [high-grade fever (38°), cough and sore throat, body ache, headache, and tiredness] ... [5] Oct 1, 2003 - Sep 30, 2004 [6] Most patients present with cough, dyspnea, and fever. Sputum production, wheezing, sore throat, pneumonia, bronchi(oli)tis, conjunctivitis, and other respiratory symptoms may also occur [6]. [7] Pneumonia caused by HMPV is reportedly more likely to cause bronchial wall thickening and ground-glass opacity (GGO) [7]. [8] Human metapneumovirus infections cause similar symptoms and clinical severity as RSV infections, which can lead to severe lower respiratory tract disease and respiratory failure in some cases [8].

Diagnostic Tests for Obsolete Pneumovirus Infectious Disease

The diagnostic tests for obsolete pneumovirus infectious diseases have evolved over time, and some methods may no longer be relevant or widely used today.

• Sputum test: In the past, a sputum test was used to diagnose pneumovirus infections. This involved taking a sample of fluid from the lungs (sputum) after a deep cough and analyzing it to help pinpoint the cause of the infection [5].
• Blood tests: Blood tests were also used to detect antibodies or antigens related to pneumovirus infections [3]. However, these tests may not be as commonly used today due to advances in diagnostic technology.
• Urinary antigen test: The urinary antigen test was another method used to diagnose pneumovirus infections by detecting the C-polysaccharide antigen of S. pneumoniae [1].
• Molecular diagnostic tests: Molecular diagnostic tests, such as nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT), were developed to directly detect viral genome or antigens in respiratory specimens [14].

It's essential to note that these diagnostic methods may not be relevant for modern pneumovirus infections, which have been largely replaced by other viruses. The most recent Infectious Diseases Society of America–American Thoracic Society guideline recommends microbiological tests only for high-risk patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) [10].

References:

[1] Testing and diagnosis. Definitively diagnosing S. pneumoniae infection generally relies on isolating the organism from a normally sterile body site.

[3] Laboratory tests. Many infectious diseases have similar signs and symptoms. Samples of body fluids can sometimes reveal evidence of the particular microbe that's causing the illness.

[5] Sputum test. A sample of fluid from your lungs (sputum) is taken after a deep cough and analyzed to help pinpoint the cause of the infection.

[10] According to the most recent Infectious Diseases Society of America–American Thoracic Society guideline, microbiological tests are presently universally recommended for high-risk patients intensive care unit (ICU) admitted to the hospital.

[14] by S Jeong · 2020 · Cited by 14 — Various methods for detecting HMPV have been developed and applied in clinical laboratories.

Based on the available information, it appears that there is no specific antiviral therapy or treatment for human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection.

• Currently, there is no specific FDA-approved antiviral therapy available for hMPV infection [4].
• Treatment of hMPV typically involves symptomatic care, with respiratory support when required [2][3][9].
• Antiviral medications for hMPV are under investigation, but none have been approved or widely used in treatment [5][6].

Supportive care is the primary approach to managing symptoms and complications associated with hMPV infection. This may include:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as cough syrups, decongestants, and pain relievers/fever reducers like acetaminophen [8].
• Ensuring adequate hydration and using medicines to reduce fever [9].

It's worth noting that the treatment guidelines for hMPV are not well established, and management of symptoms is often based on individual patient needs.

References:

[2] There aren’t any antiviral medications that treat human metapneumovirus. Most people can manage their symptoms at home until they feel better. If you or your child are severely ill, you might need to be admitted to the hospital. [3] Apr 11, 2024 — Treatment. Currently, there is no specific antiviral therapy to treat HMPV and no vaccine to prevent HMPV. Medical care is supportive. Resources. [4] No specific FDA approved antiviral therapy is currently available for human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection. Routine treatment includes symptomatic care, with respiratory support when required. [5] by L Shahani · 2017 · Cited by 38 — Currently, treatment of HRV infection consists of supportive care. Antiviral medications for HRV are under investigation. [6] by A Van Den Bergh · 2022 · Cited by 1 — Our drug-repurposing strategy proved to be useful for the rapid discovery of novel hit candidates to treat HMPV infection and provide promising ... [8] Oct 3, 2024 — To cope with symptoms, you can use over-the-counter (OTC) products like cough syrups, decongestants, and pain relievers/fever reducers such as ... [9] The gold standard for treating is supportive medicine, which includes ensuring adequate hydration, and medicines to reduce fever like acetaminophen and ...