Abstract
BACKGROUND: Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is associated with acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) in patients from all age groups. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the performance of a rapid antigenic test for all hMPV genotypes. STUDY DESIGN: Frozen nasopharyngeal aspirates from 93 individuals with ARTI were analyzed for the presence of hMPV antigens using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA, Biotrin Ltd.). RESULTS: The hMPV EIA showed a sensitivity of 81%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 77% compared to viral culture and RT-PCR. CONCLUSION: The Biotrin hMPV EIA is a convenient alternative to cell culture for detection of hMPV with an excellent specificity.