Epidemiological Burden and Hospitalization Trends of Human Metapneumovirus in Spain (2016-2023): A Retrospective Study.
AI interpretation is pending for this paper.
Open original publication →What the AI sees
Not AI summarized yet.
Research significance
Pending deeper interpretation.
Source abstract
INTRODUCTION: The hospitalization burden of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Spain was estimated assessing disease manifestations and risk factors to guide future vaccine strategies. METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of Spain's National Hospital Data System (CMBD) from 2016-2023, performed using ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, with age-stratified analyses for children under 6 years and adults over 60 years, assessing comorbidities and associated mortality risks. RESULTS: A total of 4824 hospitalizations were identified; 75% in children, 16% in older adults. Bronchiolitis dominated in children while pneumonia was most common in older adults. Overall annual hospitalization rate was 18.70 hospitalizations per 100,000 in children up to 5 years old, and the annual hospitalization rate was 0.79 hospitalizations per 100,000 in adults over 60 years, Hospital costs totaled over €22 million, and, beyond this overall burden, expenditures showed a significant year-on-year increasing trend. There were 2 deaths among children < 6 years, 18 in individuals between 16 and 59 years and 74 in adults over 60 years old, reaching a case fatality rate of 9.65% in adults, with higher risk associated with kidney failure, liver disease, and cancer. CONCLUSIONS: HMPV poses a significant burden on vulnerable groups in Spain. Despite underdiagnosis, rising cases post-COVID highlight the need for targeted prevention. These findings offer a foundation for public health planning and vaccine prioritization.