Tsantila A, Gourounti K, Nanou C, Metallinou D, Georgakopoulou VE, Bolou A, Diamanti A. Human metapneumovirus infection in pregnancy: A systematic review of cohort studies and case reports. World J Virol 2026; 15(2): 118445 [DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v15.i2.118445]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Vasiliki E Georgakopoulou, Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 17 Agiou Toma Street, Athens 11527, Greece. vaso_georgakopoulou@hotmail.com
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Respiratory System
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research-article
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Tsantila A, Gourounti K, Nanou C, Metallinou D, Georgakopoulou VE, Bolou A, Diamanti A. Human metapneumovirus infection in pregnancy: A systematic review of cohort studies and case reports. World J Virol 2026; 15(2): 118445 [DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v15.i2.118445]
World J Virol. Jun 25, 2026; 15(2): 118445 Published online Jun 25, 2026. doi: 10.5501/wjv.v15.i2.118445
Human metapneumovirus infection in pregnancy: A systematic review of cohort studies and case reports
Aikaterini Tsantila, Kleanthi Gourounti, Christina Nanou, Dimitra Metallinou, Vasiliki E Georgakopoulou, Angeliki Bolou, Athina Diamanti
Aikaterini Tsantila, Kleanthi Gourounti, Christina Nanou, Dimitra Metallinou, Angeliki Bolou, Athina Diamanti, Department of Midwifery, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens 12243, Greece
Vasiliki E Georgakopoulou, Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
Author contributions: Tsantila A, Gourounti K contributed to study conception and design, overall coordination, and critical revision of the manuscript; Nanou C, Metallinou D conducted data collection, data curation, and preliminary analyses; Bolou A, Diamanti A performed the literature search, contributed to interpretation of findings, and drafted the initial manuscript; Georgakopoulou VE provided expert pathophysiology input, supervised the analytical approach, and critically reviewed the manuscript for important intellectual content; all authors revised the manuscript, approved the final version, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
PRISMA 2009 Checklist statement: The authors have read the PRISMA 2009 Checklist, and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the PRISMA 2009 Checklist.
Corresponding author: Vasiliki E Georgakopoulou, Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 17 Agiou Toma Street, Athens 11527, Greece. vaso_georgakopoulou@hotmail.com
Received: January 4, 2026 Revised: February 14, 2026 Accepted: March 17, 2026 Published online: June 25, 2026 Processing time: 168 Days and 12.2 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is an under-recognized cause of respiratory illness during pregnancy. This systematic review synthesizes all available evidence on laboratory-confirmed hMPV infection in pregnant women, integrating data from community-based cohorts and hospital-based case reports. Most antenatal hMPV infections are mild and self-limited; however, severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome can occur, particularly in women with underlying comorbidities. Obstetric and neonatal outcomes are generally reassuring, although a possible association with fetal growth restriction warrants further investigation. These findings highlight the need for greater clinical awareness of hMPV in pregnancy and for prospective studies to better define maternal and perinatal risks.
