The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has, however, underlined that HMPV was not a new virus and had been circulating globally, including in India.
What is HMPV?
HMPV is a respiratory virus that mainly affects the upper and lower respiratory tracts following entry into the body. The human metapneumovirus is a member of the Pneumoviridae family and is closely linked to the respiratory syncytial virus. It affects the respiratory system, causing mild to severe symptoms.
While most cases are mild to moderate, some people, notably the very young, older adults, or those with compromised immune systems, may experience severe symptoms. According to studies, it has been present in human populations since the 1970s, but scientists only discovered it in 2001.
Recent anecdotal research has highlighted a potential link between HMPV and kidney health, particularly its potential association with acute kidney injury (AKI). A study of hospitalised children revealed this apparent link, raising new debates regarding the larger implications of the infection.
So, patients hospitalised with this virus, specifically those with risk factors or severe symptoms, may benefit from regular kidney function assessments.
Speaking with HT Lifestyle, Dr B VijayKiran, senior consultant nephrologist, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Siliguri, West Bengal, stated, “Anecdotal recent research has revealed intriguing connections between hMPV and kidney health.”
The doctor added that HMPV can cause severe morbidity in transplant recipients, particularly those with kidney or lung transplants. “Immunosuppressive medications can exacerbate the virus’s impact, potentially leading to severe respiratory infections, increased risk of complications and ARDS.”
According to Vijay Kiran, coughing, fever, sore throat, runny or clogged nose and wheezing are common clinical symptoms of a metapneumovirus infection. “While direct kidney damage is not extensively documented, the virus’s systemic effects warrant careful monitoring, especially in high-risk populations,” the doctor added.
Symptoms of HMPV infection:
– Fever
– Cough
– Nasal congestion
– Sore throat
– Severe lung infections (e.g., pneumonia or bronchiolitis)
– Fatigue
– Breathing difficulties
– Significant drop in oxygen levels
– Persistent or worsening cough
Risk factors for severe illness:
– Elderly individuals
– Infants and young children
– Immunocompromised individuals
– People with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD
Precautions and care:
To prevent the spread of HMPV, it’s essential to practice good hygiene, such as regular handwashing, avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals, and wearing masks in crowded and high-risk areas.
If symptoms worsen and cause difficulty in breathing, a persistent cough, or low oxygen levels, then get medical attention immediately. These infections sometimes resemble other respiratory illnesses; thus, accurate diagnosis and monitoring are critical for managing severe cases.
Testing and diagnosis:
As per the data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the infection with HMPV can usually be confirmed by:
Direct detection of viral genome by nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), and
direct detection of viral antigens in respiratory secretions using immunofluorescence or enzyme immunoassay.
