High seroprevalence of human metapneumovirus among young children in Israel

J Infect Dis. 2003 Dec 15;188(12):1865-7. doi: 10.1086/380100. Epub 2003 Dec 5.

Abstract

Exposure to the newly discovered human metapneumovirus (HMPV) during the first 2 years of life was studied by longitudinal serological analysis in 40 healthy children in southern Israel. The seropositivity rate decreased to a minimum by age 13 months and increased to 52% by age 24 months. Evidence of new infection was detected in 13%, 23%, and 55% of children by ages 7, 13, and 24 months, respectively. The high exposure rates suggest that HMPV may be an important cause of community-acquired respiratory-tract infections in young children.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Humans
  • Israel / epidemiology
  • Metapneumovirus / immunology
  • Metapneumovirus / isolation & purification*
  • Paramyxoviridae Infections / epidemiology*
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral