Retrospective comparison of respiratory syncytial virus and metapneumovirus clinical presentation in hospitalized children

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), members of Pneumoviridae family are common causes of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) among children. Study material includes routine nasopharyngeal samples obtained during 8-year period for hMPV and one single season for RSV in children hospitalized for ARTI between 0 and 15 years at the Center Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Saint Pierre in Brussels. Positive samples for RSV or hMPV identified by viral culture, lateral flow chromatography test for RSV or direct fluorescent assay for hMPV were selected retrospectively. Characteristics of children hospitalized for RSV or hMPV infections were compared. Children hospitalized for RSV infection were significantly younger and requiring more respiratory support, longer hospital stay and transfers in Pediatric intensive Care Units than those hospitalized for hMPV infection. Pneumonia diagnostic and antibiotics therapies were more significantly associated with hMPV infections. In conclusion, despite their genetic similarities, RSV, and hMPV present epidemiological and clinical differences in pediatric infections. Our results should be confirmed prospectively.