Epidemiology and Burden of Human Metapneumovirus Among Italian Adults in Outpatient and Inpatient Settings, 2014-2025.

BACKGROUND

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) has been increasingly recognized as a major contributor to respiratory infections in all age groups. Owing to its recent discovery, available data on the burden of hMPV in adults are still scant and heterogeneous. Here, we aimed to explore the epidemiology, symptomatic profile, and mortality related to hMPV among Italian adults.

METHODS

We performed an integrated analysis of several community-based and hospital-based studies conducted in Genoa (Italy) between 2014 and 2025. Adults aged ≥ 18 years prescribed with ≥ 1 molecular test for hMPV were eligible.

RESULTS

Of 21,580 and 2671 adults included in the hospital-based and community-based studies, 376 and 117, respectively, tested positive for hMPV. Seasonal (November to April) hMPV detection rate was 4.4% (95% CI: 3.6%-5.2%) in the community-based and 2.4% (95% CI: 2.1%-2.6%) in the hospital-based studies. Most detections occurred during the spring months. Each 1-year increase in age was associated with a 1.1% increase in the odds of hMPV positivity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.011; 95% CI: 1.005-1.016). Clinical presentation of hMPV resembled that of the phylogenetically related respiratory syncytial virus. Among hMPV-positive inpatients, 7.3% (95% CI: 4.3%-11.5%) died during their hospital encounter. In-hospital mortality was associated with residency in long-term care facilities (aOR 8.73; 95% CI: 2.63-29.15) and cancer (aOR 4.51; 95% CI: 1.50-14.35).

CONCLUSIONS

hMPV is a common virological finding in outpatient and inpatient adults and is responsible for a measurable burden, especially among the most frail older adults.