Clinical characteristics, co-detection patterns and prognostic risk factors of human metapneumovirus infection in children: a retrospective study

Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Li Wen, Chi Zhu, Mengfei Yu, Qi Jia, Xin Dong, Yang Wang, Zhenghong Qi
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2026.1868123
Cited by: 1
References: 45

Abstract

Objective To investigate clinical characteristics, co-detection patterns, and prognostic risk factors of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection in children. Methods Retrospective study of 621 children with laboratory-detected hMPV infection. Clinical data, laboratory indicators, and co-detection status were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression identified independent risk factors for severe pneumonia. Results Median age was 3.50 years (IQR 1.75–4.75). Of 621 patients, 399 (64.3%) had Single-detection and 222 (35.7%) co-detection, with viral-viral co-detection dominant (68.9%) and rhinovirus the most common co-pathogen (39.6%). Only platelet count and aspartate aminotransferase differed significantly between groups (both P

Fields of Study & Subjects

Respiratory viral infections research Pneumonia and Respiratory Infections Delphi Technique in Research

Publication details

Journal / source
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
Publisher
Frontiers Media SA
Volume
16
Pages
1868123–1868123
Publication date
7 July 2026
Language
EN