Resurgence of #human #metapneumovirus in the post #COVID19 era: #pathogenesis, epidemiological shifts, clinical #impact, and future #challenges
Summary Human metapneumovirus (hMPV), a respiratory pathogen identified in 2001, is a substantial cause of community-acquired respiratory infections across all age groups. This Review explores the impact of hMPV after the COVID-19 pandemic , emphasising its resurgence as a public health concern . Epidemiological shifts, as well as unusual seasonal patterns , increased co-infection rates, and altered age distributions, have been observed globally. Phylogenetic analysis has shown the variation across three distinct periods , especially before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, in terms of genotypic distribution. Clinical manifestations of hMPV infection range from asymptomatic to severe lower respiratory tract infections , particularly in vulnerable populations. Specific antivirals or vaccines are currently unavailable; consequently, treatment remains supportive. The development of monoclonal antibodies and vaccines leveraging cross-protective strategies against hMPV and related viruses is...