Comparative evaluation of real-time PCR assays for detection of the human metapneumovirus

The human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a new member of the Paramyxoviridae family associated with acute respiratory tract infections in humans. The objective of this study was to compare the sensitivity of real-time RT-PCR assays performed in a LightCycler instrument and designed to amplify the viral nucleoprotein (N), matrix (M), fusion (F), phosphoprotein (P), and polymerase Q genes. In a first evaluation of 20 viral cultures with characteristics compatible with hMPV cytopathic effect, the PCR positivity rates were 100, 90, 75, 60, and 55% using primers for the N, L, M, P, and F genes. In a second evaluation of 10 nasopharyngeal aspirates from children with bronchiolitis and found to be positive for the hMPV N gene, the PCR positivity rates for the L, M, P, and F genes were 90, 60,30, and 80%, respectively. The analytic sensitivity of the real-time RT-PCR assay for the hMPV N gene was 100 copies using a transcribed viral plasmid. In conclusion, real-time PCR assays aimed at amplifying the N and L genes which are coding for two internal viral proteins appear particularly suitable for hMPV diagnostic.