engleski

Genetic diversity of human metapneumovirus in hospitalized children with acute respiratory infections in Croatia

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is recognized as an important etiological agent of acute lower respiratory tract infections in infants. Objectives The objectives of this study were molecular epidemiology and evolutionary analysis of HMPV strains which produced moderate and severe acute respiratory tract infections in children in Croatia during four consecutive seasons (2011– 2014). A total of 117 HMPV samples collected from hospitalized paediatric patients presenting with acute respiratory tract infections and tested by direct immunofluorescence assay were analysed by amplifying a part of the F gene. Sixteen samples were further phylogenetically analysed based on sequences of all three virus transmembrane glycoproteins: F, G and SH gene. HMPV genome was identified in 92 of 117 samples (78%) ; the circulation of multiple lineages of HMPV was confirmed. In 2011, 2012, and 2014, subgroups A2 and B2 co-circulated, while B1 gained prevalence in 2013 and 2014. Importantly, the presence of a unique subcluster A2c in Croatia was established. This study provides new insights into epidemiology and genetic diversity of HMPV in this part of Europe.

human metapneumovirus ; fusion protein ; glycoproteins ; genetic variability, epidemiology

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