Novel human metapneumovirus with a 180-nucleotide duplication in the G gene

Abstract

Aim: To describe the circulation, genetic diversity and clinical features of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in pediatric patients that attended the Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Spain from 2014 to 2016.

Materials & methods: Partial G gene was sequenced from laboratory-confirmed HMPV respiratory specimens for subsequent phylogenetic analysis.

Results: A total of 121 different samples were HMPV laboratory-confirmed out of 6658 specimens received. The highest circulation was from February to April, with a prevalence of 3%. Different genetic groups within both genotypes were detected at variable levels. A 180-nucleotide duplication was first characterized within the G gene in nine cases, mostly related to lower respiratory-tract infection.

Conclusion: This study reported on the circulation of a novel HMPV with a 180-nucleotide duplication in the G gene, but no clinical changes in related cases were observed. Their prevalence increased during the last season suggesting changes in viral features.

Keywords: G protein; duplication; evolution; genetic diversity; genotype; human metapneumovirus; molecular epidemiology; respiratory tract infection; respiratory virus; surveillance.