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Review
. 2025 Aug 12.
doi: 10.1007/s15010-025-02626-5. Online ahead of print.

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV): the virus who came with the common cold

Varun Pandey  1 , Preeti Shahi  2 , George Kolios  3 , Muhammad Ikhtear Uddin  4 , Michail Spathakis  3 , Alexandra R Collins  4 , Vasilis Paspaliaris  4   5   6 , Ambak Kumar Rai  7
Affiliations
Review

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV): the virus who came with the common cold

Varun Pandey et al. Infection. .

Abstract

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a significant cause of respiratory infections worldwide, particularly in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Since its discovery in 2001, hMPV has been recognized as a major contributor to acute respiratory tract infections, along with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza. This review explores the virology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and recent advances in therapeutic and preventive strategies for hMPV infection. By consolidating current knowledge, we aim to highlight the importance of hMPV in public health and the need for continued research to address its clinical and economic burdens.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Conflict of interest: Varun Pandey, Muhammad Ikhtear Uddin, and Alexandra R. Collins are employees of Paspa Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd. Preeti Shahi is employed by Syngene International. Vasilis Paspaliaris is employed by Paspa Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd., BioGut Technologies Inc., and Tithon Biotech Inc. The remaining authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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