human metapneumovirus

noun

plural human metapneumoviruses

: a pneumovirus (species Human metapneumovirus of the genus Metapneumovirus) that is related to the respiratory syncytial virus and causes respiratory infections typically characterized by cough, runny nose, fever, and nasal congestion but sometimes progressing to bronchiolitis and pneumonia

The exact prevalence of human metapneumovirus isn't known, but Yale University researchers recently found it in 6.4 percent of retested lab samples from 296 children with respiratory symptoms …

—Lindsey Tanner

Note: After being initially isolated from children in the Netherlands in 2001, human metapneumovirus was identified in blood specimens dating back to 1958. It is now recognized as a causative agent of respiratory infections worldwide.

—abbreviation hMPV

Examples of human metapneumovirus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other respiratory viruses such as rhinoviruses and human metapneumovirus have started to kick up, said Dr. Meena Iyer, the chief medical officer of Dell Children's Medical Center. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 7 Mar. 2024

Researchers are now using his insight to create shots for other viruses, including another that causes respiratory illness, human metapneumovirus. —TIME, 2 May 2024

Tests revealed Maisie had human metapneumovirus, which presents similar symptoms to a cold, McConnaughy said. —Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2024

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a spring spike of human metapneumovirus. —Erika Edwards, NBC News, 4 June 2023

The percent of tests positive for human metapneumovirus (hMPV) surged to 19.6% for antigen tests and 10.9% percent for PCR tests at the beginning of March, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 31 May 2023

There are no vaccines to prevent human metapneumovirus or direct treatment for the virus, Assoumou said. —Ashley Soebroto, BostonGlobe.com, 31 May 2023

What is human metapneumovirus, hMPV? Human metapneumovirus, or hMPV, is an infection that affects the upper and respiratory tract, according to the CDC. —Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 30 May 2023

Origins of human metapneumovirus The human metapneumovirus was isolated from people with acute respiratory infection and sequenced in 2001 using a combination of specialized culture and molecular techniques. —John V. Williams, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

2001, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

human metapneumovirus

noun

: a pneumovirus (species Human metapneumovirus of the genus Metapneumovirus) that is related to the respiratory syncytial virus and causes respiratory infections typically characterized by cough, rhinorrhea, fever, and nasal congestion but sometimes progressing to bronchiolitis and pneumonia

Human metapneumovirus may be underreported as a pathogen in bronchiolitis and may lead to admittance to intensive care, especially when it infects infants in combination with human respiratory syncytial virus, reported Malcolm G. Semple, M.D., of the University of Liverpool (England), and his associates.

—Jeff Evan, Family Practice News

Note: After being initially isolated from children in the Netherlands in 2001, human metapneumovirus was identified in blood specimens dating back to 1958. It is now recognized as a causative agent of respiratory infections worldwide.

—abbreviation hMPV