HMPV in India: Will antibiotics work against the virus?

What do you do when you feel unwell?

Whether it is a headache, stomach ache, or fever, many people avoid consulting doctors and instead take commonly available medicines.

So far, seven cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) have been reported in India.

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With rising concerns about the virus, questions are being asked: do antibiotics have any effect on it?

Let’s take a look:

Can antibiotics treat HMPV?

The straightforward answer is no. Antibiotics are effective against bacteria, not viruses.

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections, like the common cold. Identified in 2001, HMPV belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes RSV, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Speaking to IANS, Guleria, Chairman, Institute of Internal Medicine, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Medanta Gurugram, said, “There is no specific antiviral drug which should be taken. There is no role of taking antibiotics because it is a viral infection.”

Dr Ankita Baidya, Consultant in Infectious Diseases, Manipal Hospital, told NDTV, “No, antibiotics are not recommended. Antibiotics are given only when there’s bacterial infection linked.”

Unlike bacteria, viruses do not have the cellular structures that antibiotics target, such as cell walls and ribosomes. Instead, viruses are composed of genetic material covered in a protein shell and depend on host cells to multiply.

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Currently, no specific antiviral drugs are approved to treat HMPV. Treatment is based on supportive care, which involves alleviating symptoms like fever and cough through rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies.

For most, HMPV infections resolve without intervention. However, vulnerable groups, including young children and the elderly, may require closer monitoring and, in severe cases, advanced medical care.

HMPV in India

India has reported seven confirmed cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), with two cases each reported in Bengaluru and Nagpur, and one case each in Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Salem.

The Centre has urged states to strengthen surveillance for respiratory illnesses, including Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI).

Further, states have been advised to raise awareness about preventing HMPV transmission and to conduct information, education, and communication (IEC) campaigns to inform the public of simple preventive measures.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda informed that the government is closely monitoring the situation and added that there is no cause for alarm. “HMPV is not a new virus, and no unusual surge in common respiratory viruses has been observed in the country,” he said.

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In a video message, Nadda said that the Health Ministry, the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), and the National Centre for Disease Control are also monitoring the situation in China and neighbouring countries.

What we know about HMPV

Human Metapneumovirus is a respiratory virus that causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold. It is a seasonal illness, typically occurring in winter and early spring, and resembles other viruses like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and influenza.

Symptoms of HMPV include coughing, wheezing, a runny nose, and a sore throat. While most cases are mild, young children, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to severe complications, according to Cleveland Clinic.

HMPV is common, with most individuals contracting it before the age of five. Though it can occur again, they are generally mild. Research suggests that the virus has been circulating for over six decades and is now recognised as a widespread respiratory pathogen.

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In China, HMPV infections have risen significantly, particularly among children under 14. Northern provinces have reported an increase in cases, and during the week of December 16 to 22, 2024, a surge in acute respiratory illnesses was observed, according to Reuters.

What are the symptoms of HMPV?

Symptoms of HMPV include:

• Fever

• Cough

• Wheezing

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Sore throat

• Rash

• Shortness of breath (dyspnoea)

#FPVideo: The ICMR confirmed that two cases of HMPV cases have been detected in the southern Karnataka state. These cases were identified through the ICMR's routine surveillance for various respiratory viruses amid ongoing efforts to monitor respiratory illnesses nationwide. pic.twitter.com/F0YuP4PVWt

— Firstpost (@firstpost) January 6, 2025

How does HMPV spread?

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also be transmitted via contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.

Dr Sanchayan Roy, senior consultant in internal medicine at Apollo Spectra, Delhi, told News18 that HMPV primarily targets the lungs and airways.

“While it generally presents with mild cold-like symptoms such as nasal congestion, cough, and fever, HMPV can lead to more severe complications like bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly in young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems," Roy said.

With inputs from agencies