Can Covid-19 Vaccine Protect Against HMPV Infection? Virologist Explains
According to the virologist, HMPV’s RNA-based genome mutates rapidly. This increases the risk of surge in cases and hence pose challenges for effective control and management of the virus
Fear surrounds the recent global emergence of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). After impacting China in recent weeks, the virus has now reached India, with five confirmed cases reported.
Preparations are underway across the country to combat the spread of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), with many drawing comparisons to the Covid pandemic. The similarity of symptoms between HMPV and coronavirus has led to concerns about the virus’s potential severity. This raises the question: if the symptoms of coronavirus and HMPV are alike, can existing coronavirus vaccines offer protection against HMPV?
related stories
Speaking to News18, Dr Sunit Kumar Singh, Director and Senior Virologist of Dr Ambedkar Centre for Biomedical Research, New Delhi said that human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not a new virus. Its symptoms resemble those of the influenza virus. Most respiratory infections cause problems such as difficulty breathing, chest tightness, rib movement, and a runny nose. Many symptoms of coronavirus are also similar, leading some people to believe HMPV and coronavirus are the same. However, SARS-CoV-2 and HMPV belong to different virus families and have distinct antigenic properties. Therefore, the coronavirus vaccine may not offer protection against HMPV.
Dr Sunit Singh explained that most vaccines utilise viral proteins to elicit an antibody response in the body. Since viral proteins differ, a vaccine developed for one virus is unlikely to be effective against another. Despite potential similarities, cross-protection cannot be assumed. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment for human metapneumovirus (HMPV).
A concerning characteristic of HMPV is its RNA-based genome, which is prone to rapid mutations. Continued mutations could lead to a surge in cases, potentially making the situation difficult to control. Virologists confirm that testing for human metapneumovirus is available in India.
Speaking about whether the HMPV circulating in China and India are the same, the virologist stated that while cases are reportedly increasing rapidly in China due to human metapneumovirus, no data is available yet to confirm this.
Analysing genome sequencing data of the virus spreading in China would enable researchers to determine the similarities and differences between the HMPV strains present in China and India. Genome sequencing could also help in understanding why cases are surging in China. Although there is no need for alarm in India, following COVID-appropriate protocols, which can help curb the virus’s spread, is advisable.
- Location :
- First Published: