[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Microbiology](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/) › [Other viruses and prions](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/groups/other-viruses-and-prions/) › Human metapneumovirus

[Microbiology](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/) · [Other viruses and prions](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/groups/other-viruses-and-prions/)

# Human metapneumovirus

- Virus
- Enveloped
- Contact
- For completeness

A respiratory virus related to RSV: it causes colds, bronchiolitis and pneumonia, mostly in young children, older adults and the immunocompromised.

Updated 2026-11-01

Also called: hMPV

## Key points

- A relative of RSV (Pneumoviridae): the same bronchiolitis picture.
- The second important viral cause of bronchiolitis after RSV.
- Diagnosis by PCR; no antiviral and no vaccine.
- Risk of severe disease in infants, older adults and the immunocompromised.

## At a glance

**Shape**
Pleomorphic

**Genome**
Single-stranded, negative-sense, non-segmented RNA

**Envelope**
Enveloped

**Family**
Pneumoviridae (like RSV)

**Size**
About 150 to 600 nm

## Morphology

- Envelope with the F fusion protein and the G attachment protein
- Discovered in 2001
- Two main genotypes (A and B)

## Transmission

- Respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes
- Direct contact and contaminated surfaces

**Reservoir:** Humans

### Isolation precautions

What the care team adds to standard precautions.

**Contact**
Gown and gloves; dedicated equipment. For C. difficile, soap-and-water hand washing.

## Virulence factors

- The F protein mediates fusion with respiratory epithelial cells
- Infects the lower airway and causes inflammation and mucus in the bronchioles
- Immunity is incomplete: reinfections occur throughout life

## Diseases it causes

- Bronchiolitis in infants [Bronchiolitis (RSV) →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/bronchiolitis/)
- Pneumonia in children, older adults and the immunocompromised [Community-acquired pneumonia →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/community-acquired-pneumonia/)

## Clinical picture

- Cough, fever, nasal congestion and shortness of breath
- Wheezing in infants, as in RSV bronchiolitis
- Asthma and COPD exacerbations in adults

## Diagnosis

- PCR (nucleic acid amplification tests) of nasopharyngeal secretions, included in multiplex panels
- Antigen tests in some laboratories
- Clinically indistinguishable from RSV

## Treatment

No specific antiviral: supportive care with oxygen, fluids and suctioning of secretions as needed.

Drug class only; doses and regimens are set by the clinician from the current guideline.

## Prevention

- Handwashing and surface cleaning
- Staying home while ill
- No vaccine

## Memory aid

"Metapneumo is RSV's little brother": same family, same wheeze, arriving a little later in the season.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## Which family does human metapneumovirus belong to, and which virus shares it?

Pneumoviridae, the same family as respiratory syncytial virus.

## What illness does it cause in infants?

Bronchiolitis with cough, wheezing and breathing difficulty, indistinguishable from RSV bronchiolitis.

## How is metapneumovirus diagnosed?

By PCR of nasopharyngeal secretions, often in a multiplex respiratory panel.

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/microbiology/human-metapneumovirus/)

## Related

- [Respiratory syncytial virus](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/respiratory-syncytial-virus/)
- [Parainfluenza virus](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/parainfluenza-virus/)
- [Influenza virus](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/influenza-virus/)

## Related conditions

- [Bronchiolitis (RSV)](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/bronchiolitis/)
- [Community-acquired pneumonia](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/community-acquired-pneumonia/)

## What the colours mean

**Gram-positive**
Thick peptidoglycan wall: stains purple.

**Gram-negative**
Thin wall with an outer membrane: stains pink.

**Acid-fast**
Lipid-rich wall (mycobacteria): Ziehl–Neelsen stain.

**Contact**
Gown and gloves; dedicated equipment. For C. difficile, soap-and-water hand washing.

**Droplet**
Surgical mask within about a metre; single room.

**Airborne**
N95 respirator and a negative-pressure room.

[← Back to the group: Other viruses and prions](https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/groups/other-viruses-and-prions/)

Educational content on microorganisms; not a treatment guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [About Human Metapneumovirus | Human Metapneumovirus | CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/human-metapneumovirus/about/index.html) (CDC, 2025); [Bronchiolitis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000975.htm) (MedlinePlus (NLM), 2024).

## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake

Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/microbiology/human-metapneumovirus/