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Detection of genetic lineages of human metapneumovirus in Croatia during winter season 2005/2006

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an important respiratory pathogen, especially among young children. The genetic characteristics of HMPV circulating in Croatia have not been studied so far. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of HMPV infection in hospitalized children with acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) in the season 2005/2006 in Croatia, as well as to perform the genotypic analysis of detected HMPV strains. Materials and Methods: From December 1 to March 31 2005/2006 nasopharyngeal secretions (NPSs) were collected from 402 inpatients up to 5 years of age with ARTI. NPSs were tested by real time RT-PCR assay targeting the nucleoprotein (N) gene of HMPV. To perform the phylogenetic study, partial nucleotide sequences were obtained for HMPV fusion (F) gene of 30 HMPV positive samples. Sequencing and analysis of sequences were performed on a 3130 Genetic Analyser (Applied Biosystems). Results: HMPV infection was detected in 33/402 inpatients (8.2%). Phylogenetic analysis showed the circulation of two main genetic lineages (A and B), with B lineages being prevalent. It also showed the existence of two sublineages within the group B (B1 and B2) and three subclusters within lineage A (A1, A2a and A2b). The most prevalent subtype was the genotype B2 (15/30), followed by B1 (11/30), while group A of HMPV was detected in only four specimens. Interestingly, for one A2b genotype isolate epidemiological data suggests importation from Germany. Conclusion: HMPV strains in Croatia were detected by real time RT-PCR, and characterized for the first time, contributing to the data of the genetic variability and molecular epidemiology of HMPV in the region.

genetic lineages; human metapneumovirus; winter season 2005/2006

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