Molecular Detection of Human Metapneumovirus in Lagos, Nigeria

BackgroundHuman metapneumovirus (HMPV) is an important respiratory pathogen worldwide. It is a leading cause of lower respiratory infection in infants, children, elderly and immunocompromised individuals. MethodsThis cross-sectional molecular epidemiological study examined HMPV among people with underlying conditions in different clinics in Lagos. Nasopharyngeal samples collected from 150 patients aged 1-88 years between May and June, 2022 were tested by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. Samples were extracted using Addbio extraction kit (Germany) while master-mix was prepared with primer designed targeting the F protein gene. ResultsA total of 15.3% (23/150) was positive for HMPV. The highest HMPV molecular prevalence of 34.8% (8/23) was recorded among the age group (>55 years) while the lowest prevalence of 4.3% (1/23) was recorded in the age group (12-22 years). Male predominance of 56.6% (13/23) was chronicled. Interestingly, HMPV molecular prevalence of 43.3% (10/23), 26.1% (6/23), 21.7% (5/23), 17.4%, (4/23), 13.3% (3/23) were found with co-infection/co-morbidity in malaria, high blood pressure, diabetes, tuberculosis, and pneumonia respectively. Based on location, the highest molecular prevalence was recorded in Badagry 39.1% (9/23), followed by Ojo 34.8% (8/23), while Alimosho recorded the lowest prevalence of 26.1% (6/23). Traders had the highest 39.1% (9/23) molecular prevalence while the lowest 4.3% (1/23) was recorded among patients that are civil servants, musicians, teachers and the unemployed. ConclusionThe interaction between HMPV and other pathogens, such as malaria and respiratory viruses suggests that HMPV may exacerbate existing health conditions or that individuals with these conditions are more prone to HMPV infection. This highlights the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches in clinical settings to identify and manage multiple infections effectively. The findings accentuates the importance of epidemiological surveillance especially among individuals having underlying diseases and protracted illnesses.