Characteristics of Human Metapneumovirus Infection Compared to Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza Infections in Adults Hospitalized for Influenza-Like Illness in France, 2012-2022

Abstract

Background. We aimed to compare the characteristics of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection with influenza A and B virus (FLUV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in adults hospitalized with influenza-like illness (ILI). Methods. We conducted a post hoc analysis of adult patients hospitalized with community-acquired ILI who were enrolled in the FLUVAC study at 5 French referral hospitals from 2012 to 2022. Results. At least 1 respiratory virus was detected in 3620 of 6618 patients (55%), including FLUV (1524/3620 [42%]), RSV (248/3620 [7%]), and hMPV (162/3620 [5%]). hMPV+ patients, when compared to FLUV+ patients were more likely to develop at least 1 complication (60% [86/143] vs 50% [716/1435]; P =. 02), especially acute heart failure, which occurred twice as often in hMPV+ during the hospital stay (22% [32/143] vs 11% [160/1434]; P