engleski

Serosurvey of human metapneumovirus infection in Croatia.

Aim. To assess the seroprevalence of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in Croatia. Methods. During 2005, a total of 137 serum specimens from Croatian citizens aged from 6 days to 51 years, without respiratory symptoms, were collected at Croatian National Institute of Public Health. Sera were examined using an indirect immunofluorescent assay. Results. hMPV overall seropositivity rate of the studied samples was 77.4% (106/137). The seropositivity rate increased from 18.7% in children aged 6 months to 1 year to 100% in people over 20 years of age. The highest proportion of titers ≥ 1:512 were found in children aged from 1 to 2 years. Conclusion. Our results suggest that hMPV infection is present in Croatia, with primary infection occurring in early childhood. This is the first study that indicates the circulation of hMPV in Croatia.

Human metapneumovirus; seroprevalence; indirect immunofluorescent assay

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