Global Insights into HMPV Infections: Clinical Patterns, Genetic Subtypes, and Public Health Implications
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a significant respiratory pathogen that poses a substantial health burden worldwide, particularly in young children, older people, and immunocompromised individuals. Although it was first identified in 2001, HMPV remains underdiagnosed due to clinical overlap with other respiratory viruses. It has recently garnered significant attention due to a notable outbreak in China during the 2025 winter season. According to data from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, HMPV accounted for 6.2% of positive tests for respiratory illnesses and 5.4% of hospitalisations due to respiratory diseases, outperforming the incidence of COVID-19, rhinovirus, and adenovirus during the same period. This review discusses a comprehensive study of HMPV, covering its epidemiology,pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies. HMPV is characterised by significant genetic diversity, which contributes to the variability in its pathogenicity and presents a challenge for vaccine development. Current management is mainly supportive because of the lack of specific antiviral therapies or approved vaccines. Molecular diagnostics have improved detection through PCR and multiplex panels; however, challenges persist in terms of accessibility. Emerging research identifies metabolic reprogramming and immune evasion as essential features of HMPV pathogenesis, thus opening new avenues for therapeutic intervention. This review emphasises the urgent need for enhanced surveillance, targeted prevention strategies, and expedited vaccine and antiviral development to mitigate the public health impact of HMPV. Future efforts must integrate molecular insights, public health measures, and innovative technologies to confront this evolving threat. How to cite this article:Thakur A, Dhankhar S, Jhawat V, Popli P, Singh P G, Saini M, Chauhan S, Devi S. Global Insights into HMPV Infections: Clinical Patterns, Genetic Subtypes, and Public Health Implications. J Commun Dis. 2025;57(3):42-53. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202566
Source: JOURNAL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Author: Sushma Devi
Institution: Chitkara University
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4414929667
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