HMPV Cases In India: Can Virus Cause Serious Kidney Complications? - News18
China witnessed a surge in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases- a respiratory infection with flu-like symptoms- five years after the Covid-19 pandemic. Cases have also been reported in Malaysia and Hong Kong while Japan said that it is closely monitoring the situation.
HMPV causes mild to moderate flu-like symptoms and commonly circulates during the winter and early spring months, spreading through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.
Symptoms include a cough, fever, sore throat, and nasal congestion, with some cases also experiencing wheezing or shortness of breath.
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Dr B VijayKiran, senior consultant nephrologist, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, said as per Hindustan Times, “Anecdotal recent research has revealed intriguing connections between hMPV and kidney health. A study on hospitalized children found that hMPV infection may be associated with acute kidney injury (AKI). The research suggests that AKI risk increases with age and the kidney injury may not be strictly related to respiratory complications."
The doctor added, “In transplant recipients, particularly kidney and lung transplant patients, HMPV can cause significant morbidity. Immunosuppressive medications can exacerbate the virus’s impact, potentially leading to severe respiratory infections, increased risk of complications and ARD. While direct kidney damage is not extensively documented, the virus’s systemic effects warrant careful monitoring, especially in high-risk populations."
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