Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: There is a large overlap among various etiologic agents of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI). Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a novel agent which could cause a similar clinical picture as RSV which necessitate more evaluation in developing countries

Methods: In this cross sectional study, pharyngeal swabs from admitted kids with LRTI under 5 years of age were analyzied by RT-PCR methods with standard methods for both viruses and clinical and laboratory parameters were compared by appropriate statistical methods.

Results: 32 cases with mean age of 14.31mo (+/- 14.98) were enrolled including 9 cases of Hmpv and 23 cases with RSV infections.56 % cases were female. There was a significant difference between two group regarding mean age [RSV cases were younger (p=0.026)]. Lymphocyte percentage were also significantly different (p=0.02).Also mean body temperature and frequency of cough were different (P values were 0.02 and 0.015 respectively).All RSV cases survived but 2 out of 9 cases of hMPV died.

Conclusion: There are some diffrenet clinical and demographic issues which may help to differentiate these two viruses. More prospective studies will be helpful to clarify other possible differences among these viruses.