Metapneumovirus

Metapneumovirus
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) structure and genome
Virus classification
(unranked): Virus
Realm: Riboviria
Kingdom: Orthornavirae
Phylum: Negarnaviricota
Class: Monjiviricetes
Order: Mononegavirales
Family: Pneumoviridae
Genus: Metapneumovirus
Species[1]
  • Metapneumovirus avis
  • Metapneumovirus hominis

Metapneumovirus is a genus of viruses in the family Pneumoviridae.[1][2]

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality, especially for patients with a weakened immune system as well as older adults.[3]

Taxonomy

The genus contains the following two species, listed by scientific name and followed by the exemplar virus of the species:[1]

Other species

By ″reverse zoonosis″ the virus can be passed from humans to other primates, such as chimpanzees. These infections can also be deadly for the animals.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Virus Taxonomy: 2024 Release". International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. Retrieved 14 March 2025.
  2. ^ "History of the taxon: Genus: Metapneumovirus (2024 Release, MSL #40)". International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. Retrieved 14 March 2025.
  3. ^ Phan, Thomas; Bao, Xiaoyong. "Recent vaccine development for human metapneumovirus". Journal of General Virology. 97 (7). Microbiology Society: 1515–1520. doi:10.1099/vir.0.000083. PMC 4635448.
  4. ^ Nuwer, Rachel (16 January 2024). "Chimpanzees are dying from our colds — these scientists are trying to save them". Nature. Retrieved October 6, 2025.