Performance of direct immunofl uorescence assay for the detection of human metapneumovirus under clinical laboratory settings

Abstract

Introduction: Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is an emergent human respiratory pathogen. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of direct immunofl uorescence (DIF) to detect hMPV in a clinical laboratory setting. Methods: Nasopharyngeal aspirate samples (448) of children and adults with respiratory illness were used to detect hMPV by using DIF and real time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays. Results: In all, 36 (8%) samples were positive by DIF and 94 (21%) were positive by qRT-PCR. Direct immunofl uorescence specifi city was 99% and sensitivity was 38%. Conclusions: DIF is not very sensitive under clinical laboratory settings.