Human metapneumovirus

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), first isolated in the Netherlands in 2001, is a member of the genus Metapneumovirus of the sub-family Pneumovirinae of the family Paramyxoviridae. The genomic organization of hMPV is 3'-N-P-M-F-M2-SH-G-L-5'. hMPV resembles the sole member of this genus, avian pneumovirus. hMPV is the most closely related human pathogen to respiratory syncytial virus. Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequences indicated that there were two genetic groups. Furthermore, each group could be subdivided into two subgroups. hMPV encodes three surface proteins, F, G and SH proteins. The majority of antibodies to hMPV in serum were antibody against F protein, which mediates cross-group neutralization and protection. The incidences of hMPV-associated respiratory infection estimate 5 to 10% in children and 2 to 4% in adults. hMPV generally causes upper respiratory tract infection and flu-like illness, the virus can be associated with lower tract infections, such as wheezy bronchitis, bronchitis, bronchiolitis and pneumonia, in very young children, elderly persons, and immunocompromised patients. hMPV has a seasonal peak during the spring in Japan. Reinfection with hMPV frequently occurs in children, implying that the host immune response induced by natural infection provides incomplete protection. The RT-PCR test is the most sensitive test for detection of hMPV.     

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte epitope vaccination protects against human metapneumovirus infection and disease in mice

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) has emerged as an important human respiratory pathogen causing upper and lower respiratory tract infections in young children and older adults. In addition, hMPV infection is associated with asthma exacerbation in young children. Recent epidemiological evidence indicates that hMPV may cocirculate with human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) and mediate clinical disease similar to that seen with hRSV. Therefore, a vaccine for hMPV is highly desirable. In the present study, we used predictive bioinformatics, peptide immunization, and functional T-cell assays to define hMPV cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes recognized by mouse T cells restricted through several major histocompatibility complex class I alleles, including HLA-A*0201. We demonstrate that peptide immunization with hMPV CTL epitopes reduces viral load and immunopathology in the lungs of hMPV-challenged mice and enhances the expression of Th1-type cytokines (gamma interferon and interleukin-12 [IL-12]) in lungs and regional lymph nodes. In addition, we show that levels of Th2-type cytokines (IL-10 and IL-4) are significantly lower in hMPV CTL epitope-vaccinated mice challenged with hMPV. These results demonstrate for the first time the efficacy of an hMPV CTL epitope vaccine in the control of hMPV infection in a murine model.     

The changing face of pediatric respiratory tract infections: how human metapneumovirus and human bocavirus fit into the overall etiology of respiratory tract infections in young children

Lower respiratory tract infections are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. Recent technological advances in the field of molecular biology have allowed virologists to detect many previously undetected viral pathogens. Two of these, human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and human bocavirus (HBoV), are of particular clinical interest to pediatric health care providers. This review discusses the most common viral respiratory infections in children, explores the role of newly discovered respiratory pathogens, and describes techniques for the diagnosis of viral respiratory infections.     

Detection of human bocavirus and human metapneumovirus by real-time PCR from patients with respiratory symptoms in Southern Brazil

The introduction of newer molecular methods has led to the discovery of new respiratory viruses, such as human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and human bocavirus (hBoV), in respiratory tract specimens. We have studied the occurrence of hMPV and hBoV in the Porto Alegre (PA) metropolitan area, one of the southernmost cities of Brazil, evaluating children with suspected lower respiratory tract infection from May 2007-June 2008. A real-time polymerase chain reaction method was used for amplification and detection of hMPV and hBoV and to evaluate coinfections with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza A and B, parainfluenza 1, 2 and 3, human rhinovirus and human adenovirus. Of the 455 nasopharyngeal aspirates tested, hMPV was detected in 14.5% of samples and hBoV in 13.2%. A unique causative viral agent was identified in 46.2% samples and the coinfection rate was 43.7%. For hBoV, 98.3% of all positive samples were from patients with mixed infections. Similarly, 84.8% of all hMPV-positive results were also observed in mixed infections. Both hBoV and hMPV usually appeared with RSV. In summary, this is the first confirmation that hMPV and hBoV circulate in PA; this provides evidence of frequent involvement of both viruses in children with clinical signs of acute viral respiratory tract infection, although they mainly appeared as coinfection agents.     

Co-infection of human metapneumovirus with adenovirus or respiratory syncytial virus among children in Japan

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is one of the etiological agents of acute respiratory tract infections. From June 2005 to May 2006, we collected 185 clinical specimens from children in Osaka City, Japan, and detected 41 hMPV RNA. Of the 41 specimens, four (9.8%) also contained other viruses (3 with adenovirus [AdV] and 1 with respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]). The clinical symptoms of patients coinfected with AdV were indistinct from those of patients mono-infected with hMPV. The symptoms of the one patient co-infected with RSV were clinically severe. Further research is needed to clarify the effect of hMPV on other respiratory viruses or vice versa.     

The Importance of Bacterial and Viral Infections Associated with Adult Asthma Exacerbations in Clinical Practice

Background

Viral infection is one of the risk factors for asthma exacerbation. However, which pathogens are related to asthma exacerbation in adults remains unclear.

Objective

The relation between various infections and adult asthma exacerbations was investigated in clinical practice.

Methods

The study subjects included 50 adult inpatients due to asthma exacerbations and 20 stable outpatients for comparison. The pathogens from a nasopharyngeal swab were measured by multiplex PCR analysis.

Results

Asthma exacerbations occurred after a common cold in 48 inpatients. The numbers of patients with viral, bacterial, or both infections were 16, 9, and 9, respectively. The dominant viruses were rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus, and metapneumovirus. The major bacteria were S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae. Compared to pathogen-free patients, the patients with pathogens were older and non-atopic and had later onset of disease, lower FeNO levels, lower IgE titers, and a higher incidence of comorbid sinusitis, COPD, or pneumonia. Compared to stable outpatients, asthma exacerbation inpatients had a higher incidence of smoking and comorbid sinusitis, COPD, or pneumonia. Viruses were detected in 50% of stable outpatients, but a higher incidence of rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and metapneumovirus infections was observed in asthma exacerbation inpatients. H. influenzae was observed in stable asthmatic patients. Other bacteria, especially S. pneumoniae, were important in asthma exacerbation inpatients.

Conclusion

Viral or bacterial infections were observed in 70% of inpatients with an asthma exacerbation in clinical practice. Infection with S. pneumoniae was related to adult asthma exacerbation.     

神经外科颅内出血患者下呼吸道感染病原菌的耐药性监测

目的了解神经外科重症监护室（NICU）颅内出血患者下呼吸道感染病原菌的种类及耐药情况,为临床合理用药提供依据。方法对2010年1月至2011年1月颅内出血的患者,其下呼吸道感染病原菌的种类及耐药性进行回顾性分析。结果分离出的374例病原菌中以革兰阴性杆菌为主,占81．8％,革兰阳性球菌占4．0％,真菌占14．2％。分离率较高的细菌依次为鲍曼不动杆菌、铜绿假单胞菌、肺炎克雷伯菌、嗜麦芽窄食单胞菌、金黄色葡萄球菌。其中,产超广谱β-内酰胺酶（ESBLs）的肺炎克雷伯菌的检出率为50．0％;耐甲氧西林金黄色葡萄球菌（MRSA）的检出率为73．3％。鲍曼不动杆菌和铜绿假单胞菌对丁胺卡那、妥布霉素、多粘菌素B有较好的敏感性;而金黄色葡萄球菌对复方新诺明、呋喃妥因、万古霉素耐药率较低。结论NICU颅内出血患者下呼吸道感染以多重耐药的革兰阴性杆菌为主,临床应根据药敏结果合理用药,控制和减少感染的发生。     

住院肺炎患儿偏肺病毒和呼吸道合胞病毒感染研究

为探讨沈阳地区肺炎患儿中偏肺病毒(hMPV)和呼吸道合胞病毒(RSV)感染情况,用反转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)法对部分因肺部感染住院患儿进行了病原学研究。结果显示,hMPV感染率为9%;而RSV感染率为46%,其中A型占40%,B型占60%。研究结果表明,在婴幼儿肺炎患儿中RSV感染率高于hMPV感染率,两者所致肺炎在发病年龄、性别及临床症状上无显著区别。     

First detection of human metapneumovirus in children with respiratory infections in Romania

The human metapneumovirus (hMPV) was first isolated in 2001 in the Netherlands (Van der Hoogen and collaborators) from a nasopharyngeal aspirate sampled from an infant. Based on the morphological, biochemical and genetic characteristics, the hMPV was initially classified in the genus Metapneumovirus with the avian metapneumovirus (APV), the agent causing the respiratory infections of the upper tract in turkeys and other birds. Subsequently, together with the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), it was classified in the Pneumovirus genus which is a part of the Pneumovirinae subfamily, the Paramyxoviridae family. The aim of the present study was to optimize hMPV molecular detection and to detect the virus in samples form children with respiratory infections in Romania. Two types of RTPCR commercial kits were evaluated for the detection of hMPV. Tests were performed on 28 pharyngeal exudates from children aged from 9 months to 6 years, which were negative for influenza viruses and for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Among the tested samples 7 (25%) have been positive for hMPV by RT-PCR. These results document for the first time that hMPV is circulating in Romania and causes respiratory infections, especially in newborns and children under 6 years old.     

小儿下呼吸道感染痰培养标本病原菌构成分析

目的了解小儿下呼吸道感染病原菌的分布及对常用抗菌药物的耐药状况。方法对2710例小儿下呼吸道感染患者痰标本进行培养,用VITEK-2Compact微生物鉴定系统鉴定菌种和药敏试验,WHO-NET5．4软件对数据进行分析。结果共分离病原菌675株,革兰阴性杆菌457株,占67．7％,主要为大肠埃希菌、肺炎克雷伯菌;革兰阳性球菌159株,占23．5％,主要为金黄色葡萄球菌、肺炎链球菌;真菌59株,占8．7％,主要为白色假丝酵母菌。结论小儿下呼吸道感染病原菌以革兰阴性杆菌为主,耐药性较为严重,应不断加强耐药性监测,合理使用抗菌药物。     

Isolation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies which neutralize human metapneumovirus in vitro and in vivo

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a recently described member of the Paramyxoviridae family/Pneumovirinae subfamily and shares many common features with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), another member of the same subfamily. hMPV causes respiratory tract illnesses that, similar to human RSV, occur predominantly during the winter months and have symptoms that range from mild to severe cough, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia. Like RSV, the hMPV virus can be subdivided into two genetic subgroups, A and B. With RSV, a single monoclonal antibody directed at the fusion (F) protein can prevent severe lower respiratory tract RSV infection. Because of the high level of sequence conservation of the F protein across all the hMPV subgroups, this protein is likely to be the preferred antigenic target for the generation of cross-subgroup neutralizing antibodies. Here we describe the generation of a panel of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies that bind to the hMPV F protein. A subset of these antibodies has the ability to neutralize prototypic strains of both the A and B hMPV subgroups in vitro. Two of these antibodies exhibited high-affinity binding to the F protein and were shown to protect hamsters against infection with hMPV. The data suggest that a monoclonal antibody could be used prophylactically to prevent lower respiratory tract disease caused by hMPV.     

The role of Streptococcus pneumoniae virulence factors in host respiratory colonization and disease

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a Gram-positive bacterial pathogen that colonizes the mucosal surfaces of the host nasopharynx and upper airway. Through a combination of virulence-factor activity and an ability to evade the early components of the host immune response, this organism can spread from the upper respiratory tract to the sterile regions of the lower respiratory tract, which leads to pneumonia. In this Review, we describe how S. pneumoniae uses its armamentarium of virulence factors to colonize the upper and lower respiratory tracts of the host and cause disease.     

肺炎支原体实验室检测方法研究进展

肺炎支原体(Mycoplosma pneumonia,MP)为人类非典型肺炎的病原体,是引起呼吸道感染的重要病原体。但是支原体肺炎与其他病原体感染的肺炎,在临床症状、影像学上并无特异性差别,且其对一般治疗肺炎、上呼吸道感染的药物有耐药性,因此肺炎支原体及时、准确的实验室检测对于支原体肺炎的诊断治疗显得尤为重要。目前MP的实验室检测方法不断推陈出新,但各种方法均有其优势与不足,临床可选择两种不同的方法同时检测。比如:血清学抗体的检测结合MP快速培养药敏的方法;血清学抗体的检测结合PCR的方法,不同方法相互补充为临床的早期诊断、治疗提供依据。而MP药敏试验的检测和耐药机制的研究对于临床用药方案的选择,减少耐药株的产生和流行具有重要意义。     

社区获得性肺炎非典型病原体分布及其流行特征

目的 了解社区获得性肺炎(CAP)非典型病原体感染的分布情况及其流行特征.方法 收集确诊为社区获得性肺炎患者278例,间接免疫荧光法(IFA)检测人血清中呼吸道9种主要的非典型性病原体的IgM抗体.结果 病原体检测阳性者150例,总阳性率54.O％.单一病原体感染中,肺炎支原体(MP) 125例(45.0％)、呼吸道合胞病毒( RSV) 27例(9.7％)、腺病毒22例(7.9％)、副流感病毒1、2和3型19例(6.8％)、乙型流感病毒16例(5.8％)、嗜肺军团菌血清1型13例(4.7％)、肺炎衣原体2例(0.7％)和甲型流感病毒1例(0.4％).混合感染共63例(22.7％),其中61例(21.9％)为MP与其他病原体的混合感染,病毒感染以RSV最常见,共27例(9.7％).CAP患者患有基础疾病共139例(50％),其余为无基础疾病者.基础疾病中以循环疾病和呼吸疾病最常见,各占总CAP患者的15,1％和13.0％.所有受检者MP阳性率最高,达45％,其中未成年组3～18岁中MP阳性率高达60.2％,而成人组18 ～50岁中MP阳性率高达81.8％.CAP春季病原体阳性检出率为46.9％,冬季病原体阳性检出率为63.8％(x2=7.752,P＜0.05).结论 非典型性病原体(特别是MP)感染在CAP患者中比例较大,其流行与分布跟病原体种类、基础疾病、年龄、季节等有一定的关系.     

An alphavirus replicon-based human metapneumovirus vaccine is immunogenic and protective in mice and cotton rats

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a recently discovered paramyxovirus that causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections in infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals worldwide. Here, we developed Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus replicon particles (VRPs) encoding hMPV fusion (F) or attachment (G) glycoproteins and evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of these vaccine candidates in mice and cotton rats. VRPs encoding hMPV F protein, when administered intranasally, induced F-specific virus-neutralizing antibodies in serum and immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies in secretions at the respiratory mucosa. Challenge virus replication was reduced significantly in both the upper and lower respiratory tracts following intranasal hMPV challenge in these animals. However, vaccination with hMPV G protein VRPs did not induce neutralizing antibodies or protect animals from hMPV challenge. Close examination of the histopathology of the lungs of VRP-MPV F-vaccinated animals following hMPV challenge revealed no enhancement of inflammation or mucus production. Aberrant cytokine gene expression was not detected in these animals. Together, these results represent an important first step toward the use of VRPs encoding hMPV F proteins as a prophylactic vaccine for hMPV.     

Microbiological evaluation of antibiotics for empirical therapy of community-acquired infections of the lower respiratory tract]

During first 3 days after patient hospitalization with pneumonia or chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (COPD) pathogens in sputum were studied according NCCLS standards (for 1999 year). Among 93 pathogens isolated in pneumonia the most frequent were S. pneumoniae (41.9%), H. influenzae (21.5%). Among 232 pathogens isolated in COPD the most frequent were S. pneumoniae (35.5%), H. influenzae (16.8%). Other pathogens were staphylococci, moraxella, gram-negative bacteria. No penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae, were isolated, the strains with moderate penicillin resistance were less than 3% in both groups. Among H. influenzae isolated from patients with pneumonia 25% were beta-lactamase producers, from COPD patients 21% strains produced beta-lactamase. Totally among all studied pathogens only 58% were sensitive to ampicillin in pneumonia groups and 48% in COPD groups, for azithromycin 70.7% and 71% respectively, for cefuroxime 84.5% and 85% respectively. Ampicillin efficacy for empirical treatment of community-acquired low respiratory tract infections was substantially less than that of modern antibiotics.     

In vitro activity of cefditoren against a special collection of clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae from Hungary

Cefditoren is the active form of cefditoren pivoxil, a new, broad-spectrum oral cephalosporin with strong in vitro activity against penicillin-susceptible and resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae. In this study, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of cefditoren were determined for a special selection of S. pneumoniae isolates known to be susceptible, moderately susceptible or fully resistant to penicillin; these isolates originated from the lower respiratory tract of adults with pneumonia or the upper respiratory tract of children with or without symptoms of infection. Some of this latter group of isolates exhibited extremely high MICs to penicillin (> or = 32 mg/l), whereas the MICs of cefditoren did not exceed 2 mg/l. The MIC50 and MIC90 of cefditoren proved to be 0.25 and 1.0 mg/l, respectively, with a range of MICs < or = 0.015-2.0 mg/l for all the tested S. pneumoniae isolates. Its good activity suggests that cefditoren is expected to be a potent drug in infections caused by penicillin-resistant and multidrug-resistant S. pneumoniae.     

北京地区成人呼吸道感染病人中人偏肺病毒感染情况的初步分析

目的:了解北京地区成人呼吸道感染患者中人偏肺病毒(hMPV)的感染情况、流行分布和临床表现特点。方法:采集2010年5月至2011年4月北京地区成人呼吸道感染患者鼻咽拭子标本413份,利用巢式PCR法进行hMPV筛查,对PCR阳性片段进行核酸序列测定,确定hMPV感染基因型别;同时,分析hMPV感染的流行病学特点,并对感染阳性患者进行临床表现的初步分析。结果:413份鼻咽拭子标本中检出hMPV阳性4份(0.97%),分别存在于2010年8月、10月和2011年2月、4月,其中1例合并鼻病毒感染;感染患者临床表现主要是发热、鼻塞、流涕、头痛、咳嗽,有1例出现呕吐和腹泻;hMPV阳性片段系统进化分析发现这4例感染中的3例为B2型,1例为A2b型。结论:北京地区成人呼吸道感染患者中存在hMPV感染,其基因型为B2和A2b型。     

闭环式护理对小儿细菌性肺炎症状 和呼吸道菌群的影响

摘要：目的 探究细菌性肺炎患儿实行闭环式护理管理模式后患儿临床症状、呼吸道菌群及疾病复发的情况。方法 选取2016年5月至2018年11月我院收治的113例细菌性肺炎患儿为研究对象,随机分为观察组（n=55）和对照组（n=58）。两组患儿均给予抗生素治疗及常规护理。观察组患儿在常规护理基础上应用闭环式护理。观察两组患儿各主要临床症状缓解时间及住院时间、治疗有效率、治疗前及治疗1周后呼吸道菌群分布情况及治疗结束后6个月内细菌性肺炎复发率。结果 观察组患儿体温恢复时间、咳嗽及咳痰缓解时间及住院时间均短于对照组（均P<0.05）。观察组患儿呼吸道革兰阳性菌中以肺炎链球菌（48.39%,15/31）、金黄色葡萄球菌（38.71%,12/31）为主,革兰阴性菌中以肺炎克雷伯菌（31.82%,21/66）、大肠埃希菌（34.85%,23/66）为主。观察组患儿治疗1周后呼吸道革兰阳性菌分布比例（33.33%,12/36）低于对照组（37.04%,20/54）。治疗1周后观察组患儿呼吸道细菌总检出数低于对照组（P<0.05）。观察组患儿治疗结束后6个月内复发率为3.64%（2/55）,对照组为12.07%（7/58）,二者比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。观察组患儿治疗有效率为89.09%（49/55）,高于对照组的72.41%（42/58）。结论 细菌性肺炎患儿呼吸道菌群以肺炎链球菌、金黄色葡萄球菌、肺炎克雷伯菌及大肠埃希菌为主。应用闭环式护理管理模式后,可明显改善细菌性肺炎患儿各临床症状,缩短症状缓解时间,抑制呼吸道革兰阳性菌群生长,但对治疗后复发率影响不大。