653: Human Metapneumovirus Is More Severe Than RSV Infection in Hospitalized Children

Head-to-Head Comparison Between Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Human Metapneumovirus Bronchiolitis in the Setting of Increased Viral Testing

“…1 Symptomatic treatment varies depending on the clinical course but may include intensive care unit (ICU) treatment and mechanical ventilation in severe cases. 2 In the Northern Hemisphere, HMPV infections typically peak in March, with seasonal occurrence from late winter to spring (January-March). 3 Nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPI) due to the COVID-19 pandemic lead to broad changes in the epidemiology of respiratory viruses, such as a significant decrease in the circulation of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus, parainfluenza virus…”

“…It is suggested that hMPV bronchiolitis may be associated with higher severity, including increased rates of respiratory failure and longer hospital stays than the more commonly observed RSV bronchiolitis. 2 However, these study results may have been confounded by underlying testing biases, with increased hMPV testing potentially occurring in more unwell infants compared to routine admissions.…”