Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Human Metapneumovirus-Associated Acute Respiratory Tract Infection Cases in the Pudong New Area, Shanghai, from 2014 to 2023

• DOI: 10.1007/s44197-025-00380-3
• Publication Date: 2025-03-10T14:59:20Z
• Authors: Yanhong Ding; Li Zhang; Xiao Wang; Rongxin Wu; Anran Zhang; Bing Zhao; Chuchu Ye
• Keywords: Respiratory tract; Metapneumovirus

This study characterized Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection epidemiology and clinical features in patients with acute respiratory infections (ARIs) Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China, compared by pre- post-COVID-19 periods. Between January 2014 December 2023, the basic information, as well tract specimens from ARIs, were collected at 14 sentinel hospitals Shanghai Pudong. Specimens tested for HMPV other pathogens. The positivity rates analyzed age, period (pre- post-COVID-19), season, case type. Clinical characteristics of HMPV-infected versus non-infected cases compared. 14,488 ARI enrolled, a 1.77% HMPV-positive rate (257/14,488). Among age groups, highest positive was 5.39% (11 /204) 6–11-month group, all 6–11-month-old group inpatients. < 6 months old, 1–2 years 3–5 6–14 15–64 ≥ 65 old 1.92% (6/313), 2.92% (23/788), 2.21% (33/1494), 1.08% (25/2311), 1.46% (94/6443) (65/2935), respectively. showed higher proportions cough (p 0.001), runny nose = 0.048), sore throat 0.0175) than HMPV-negative children. Compared to patients, there significant difference pneumonia diagnosis both children adults 0.001, p 0.004). Before COVID-19, peaks occurred mainly February March. In October peak (4.37%, 10/229) observed. Young elderly individuals are risk infection, reversal seasonal patterns observed post-COVID-19. Surveillance is crucial future epidemic Preparedness.