ArticleInfectious diseases and therapy2026
Comparison of the Hospital Burden Associated with Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Human Metapneumovirus Across All Age Groups in Scotland: A Retrospective Analysis.
Article in Infectious diseases and therapy, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
introductionRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) are commonly associated with respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in humans.
methodsUsing national hospital and laboratory data over six seasons (2017-2023), we characterised the epidemiology of RSV and hMPV-associated RTI hospitalisations in Scotland across all age groups. We examined age distribution and estimated annual incidence rate ratios comparing RSV and hMPV hospital incidence in different age groups. Clinical severity was assessed using ICD-10 codes, length of hospital stay, ICU admissions and in-hospital case fatality. Seasonality was evaluated over the study period.
resultsThis study included 13,807 RSV- and 2491 hMPV-associated RTI admissions. RSV-associated hospitalisations were generally higher than those for hMPV before RSV vaccine introduction, with the greatest differences observed in infants. Severity appeared to increase with age for both viruses and was highest in older adults, with broadly comparable outcomes between the two viruses. Before the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, RSV season generally started earlier and lasted shorter than the hMPV season. Both viruses demonstrated marked disruption of seasonal circulation during 2020/21, followed by a partial re-establishment of the winter peak.
conclusionshMPV and RSV both contributed substantially to RTI-related hospitalisations in Scotland before RSV vaccine introduction. RSV accounted for a greater number of admissions, while hMPV demonstrated comparable disease severity. Children bore the greatest incidence burden, whereas older adults experienced disproportionately severe outcomes. The findings suggest that temporal patterns in RSV and hMPV circulation may have important implications for respiratory virus surveillance and seasonal healthcare preparedness. Enhanced virus-specific testing and targeted immunisation in infants and older adults could improve surveillance and reduce hospital admissions and healthcare pressures.
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