Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV): Challenges & Support in Immunocompromised Patients.

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a significant respiratory pathogen that poses a severe threat to immunocompromised individuals, including cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, and those living with chronic immune conditions. Due to their weakened immune defenses, these individuals are particularly vulnerable to severe and persistent hMPV infections, leading to serious respiratory complications, prolonged hospitalizations, and increased mortality risk. Additionally, the rapid nosocomial transmission of hMPV in healthcare settings exacerbates the risk of outbreaks, further straining healthcare systems. Compounded by the absence of specific antiviral treatments and limited therapeutic options, managing hMPV infections in this population becomes increasingly challenging. Beyond the physical health impacts, the psychological toll marked by anxiety, depression, and social isolation demands comprehensive care strategies that integrate both medical and psychological support to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

I. Rising Nosocomial Transmission of hMPV in Immunocompromised Patients:

The increased nosocomial transmission of Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) poses a serious threat in healthcare settings, particularly among immunocompromised patients. This respiratory virus, belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family, is responsible for acute and severe respiratory infections. Its ability to spread rapidly in healthcare facilities and cause severe complications in vulnerable patients makes it a major public health concern.

Due to their weakened immune systems, patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, or individuals living with HIV/AIDS are particularly susceptible to severe hMPV infections. The virus can easily spread in hospitals through airborne routes, direct or indirect contact, and via healthcare personnel or visitors. Understanding the mechanisms of this transmission and strengthening preventive measures is essential to protect these high-risk patients.

-Characteristics of Human Metapneumovirus Facilitating Transmission:

Modes of Transmission: Airborne and Contact Transmission: hMPV primarily spreads through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing or sneezing. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or indirectly via contaminated surfaces.

Surface Resistance: Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) can survive for several hours on inert surfaces (door handles, hospital beds, medical devices), increasing the risk of transmission in hospital environments.

Lack of Early Symptoms: Infected patients can be contagious before showing symptoms, promoting the silent spread of the virus.

Virological Factors: Prolonged Contagious Period: In immunocompromised individuals, the period during which the virus can be transmitted is extended, increasing the risk of spread.

Interference with Host Immunity: hMPV disrupts innate immune responses, particularly by inhibiting interferon signaling pathways, making the body more vulnerable to infections.

Immunomodulatory Glycoproteins: The virus’s surface proteins (G and SH) play a role in modulating the host’s immune defenses, facilitating infection establishment.

-Vulnerability of Immunocompromised Individuals:

Immunocompromised individuals are highly susceptible to hMPV due to their inability to mount an effective immune response. This includes:

Patients undergoing chemotherapy

Organ transplant recipients

People living with HIV/AIDS

Patients with autoimmune diseases treated with immunosuppressants

Severe Clinical Manifestations: Prolonged Viral Shedding: The body struggles to eliminate the virus, prolonging the contagious period.

Severe and Atypical Symptoms: Immunocompromised patients may develop severe respiratory complications, such as pneumonia, which can progress to acute respiratory distress.

Fatal Complications: Without rapid medical intervention, the infection can lead to fatal complications.

Documented Cases of Nosocomial Infections: Severe Infections: Patients with acute myeloid leukemia developed severe pneumonia after hMPV infection, requiring prolonged intensive care.

Hospital Outbreaks: Outbreaks of hMPV in long-term care facilities have shown high attack rates despite standard hygiene measures, illustrating the virus’s capacity for rapid spread.

-Hospital Factors Favoring Nosocomial Transmission:

Hospital Environment Conditions: Crowded Care Units: The concentration of immunocompromised patients in closed units (oncology, hematology, intensive care) facilitates transmission.

Frequent Medical Procedures: Invasive procedures (intubation, bronchial suction) can aerosolize the virus.

Healthcare Workers as Vectors: Medical staff can transmit the virus through contaminated hands or poorly disinfected equipment.

Unscreened Visitors: Asymptomatic visitors can unknowingly introduce or spread the virus.

Failures in Prevention Protocols: Insufficient Isolation: Failure to adhere to isolation precautions increases the risk of transmission.

Poor Hand Hygiene: Inadequate handwashing practices facilitate viral spread.

Incomplete Disinfection: Insufficient cleaning of surfaces and medical equipment allows the virus to survive.

-Consequences of Nosocomial Transmission in Immunocompromised Patients:

Prolonged Hospitalization: Complications from hMPV

Infections can extend hospital stays, increasing the risk of other infections.

Severe Respiratory Complications: Pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, and potentially death can result.

Widespread Transmission: Rapid spread can lead to hospital outbreaks, overwhelming healthcare services.

-Prevention and Control of Nosocomial hMPV Transmission:

Preventive Measures: Isolation of Infected Patients: Strict isolation protocols for symptomatic patients to limit transmission.

Rigorous Hand Hygiene: Regular handwashing and disinfection for healthcare staff and visitors.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Mandatory use of masks, gloves, and gowns during patient care.

Surface and Equipment Disinfection: Thorough cleaning of shared surfaces and medical equipment.

Visitor Restrictions: Limiting visits to vulnerable patients.

Surveillance and Training: Active Surveillance: Systematic screening for hMPV infections, especially during outbreaks.

Healthcare Staff Training: Ongoing education on hygiene best practices and isolation procedures.

Outbreak Management: Rapid action plans to contain virus spread.

The increased nosocomial transmission of Human Metapneumovirus among immunocompromised patients is a major challenge in healthcare settings. Strict adherence to preventive measures, rigorous hygiene practices, and constant surveillance are essential to limit the spread of the virus. Only heightened vigilance and well-adapted protocols will effectively protect the most vulnerable patients.

II. Persistent and Recurrent hMPV Infection in Immunocompromised Patients:

The persistence and recurrence of Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection pose significant challenges in managing immunocompromised patients. This widespread respiratory virus often causes acute infections in healthy individuals but becomes particularly dangerous for those with weakened immune systems. In these patients, hMPV can not only cause severe acute infections but also persist in the body for extended periods or reappear as reinfections or reactivations, leading to serious respiratory complications and progressive clinical deterioration.

Understanding the mechanisms that allow hMPV to persist and recur in immunocompromised individuals is essential for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. This detailed analysis explores the virological and immunological factors that contribute to the persistence and recurrence of this virus, the associated clinical consequences, and the necessary management measures to mitigate these risks.

-Mechanisms of hMPV Infection Persistence:

The persistence of Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection in immunocompromised individuals primarily results from an ineffective immune response and the virus’s ability to evade the host’s defense mechanisms.

●Deficiency of the Innate Immune Response:

Alteration of Interferon Responses: hMPV inhibits the signaling pathways of type I and III interferons, which are essential for early antiviral defense. This suppression reduces the activation of antiviral mechanisms, allowing the virus to survive and replicate in the respiratory tract.

Immune Evasion via Viral Glycoproteins: hMPV surface proteins, particularly G and SH, play a crucial role in immune evasion. They prevent the virus from being recognized by immune cells and limit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reducing the body’s ability to effectively combat the infection.

Suppression of Immune Cell ActivationhMPV can interfere with the activation of dendritic cells, hindering antigen presentation to T lymphocytes and limiting the initiation of an effective immune response.

●Ineffective Adaptive Immune Response:

Impaired T Lymphocyte Response: In immunocompromised patients, the production of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8+) is insufficient to effectively eliminate infected cells, allowing the virus to persist.

Insufficient Production of Neutralizing Antibodies: B cells produce few or no neutralizing antibodies capable of blocking viral spread. This deficiency prevents the body from controlling the infection and contributes to the persistence of the virus in lung tissues.

●Prolonged Colonization of the Respiratory Tract:

Viral Reservoir in Pulmonary Tissues: hMPV can persist in the epithelial cells of the lower airways, where it evades immune surveillance.

Infection of Immune Cells: Research suggests that hMPV can infect macrophages and dendritic cells, disrupting immune coordination and contributing to viral persistence.

-Mechanisms of hMPV Infection Recurrence:

hMPV infection recurrence may occur through reinfection or reactivation of a latent infection, exacerbated by immune vulnerability.

●Reinfection by Viral Variants:

Genetic Variability of the Virus: hMPV is divided into several genetic subgroups (A1, A2, B1, B2), allowing reinfections. Antibodies produced during an initial infection may be ineffective against different genetic variants.

Weak Immune Memory: Immunocompromised individuals develop a deficient immune memory, reducing their ability to effectively protect against future virus exposure.

●Viral Reactivation:

Latent Persistence: Although hMPV is not typically known for establishing classical latency, it can remain in lung tissues in a weakened form and reactivate when immune defenses are compromised.

Medication-Induced Immunosuppression: Prolonged use of corticosteroids, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressive treatments weakens immune defenses, increasing the risk of viral reactivation.

●Superinfection and Nosocomial Environment:

Repeated Exposure in Healthcare Settings: Immunocompromised patients are frequently hospitalized and exposed to constant contamination sources, increasing the risk of reinfections.

Bacterial Superinfections: Initial hMPV infection can damage lung tissues, facilitating bacterial superinfections that worsen viral infections.

-Consequences of hMPV Infection Persistence and Recurrence:

●Chronic Respiratory Infections:

Persistent Pulmonary Inflammation: Prolonged hMPV infection can lead to chronic inflammation, causing obstructive lung diseases such as bronchiolitis obliterans.

Impaired Respiratory Function: Lung damage caused by recurrent infections progressively reduces patients’ respiratory capacity.

●Risk of Clinical Deterioration:

Exacerbation of Chronic Diseases: Patients with chronic respiratory diseases often experience worsening health conditions, potentially leading to prolonged hospital stays.

Increased Mortality Risk: Persistent and recurrent hMPV infections are strongly associated with higher mortality rates in immunocompromised patients.

-Strategies for Managing Persistence and Recurrence:

●Enhanced Surveillance:

Regular Screening (PCR): Implement frequent testing to detect early signs of persistence or recurrence.

Monitoring Viral Load: Track viral load to adjust treatments and isolation measures accordingly.

●Prevention and Hygiene:

Prolonged Isolation: Strict isolation measures must be maintained until complete viral eradication is confirmed.

Reinforced Hygiene Practices: Rigorous disinfection of surfaces and medical equipment is essential.

●Treatments and Immunotherapy:

Experimental Antiviral Treatments: Potential use of antivirals or intravenous immunoglobulins to limit viral spread.

Immune System Strengthening: Use of therapies aimed at boosting immune responses.

The persistence and recurrence of Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection in immunocompromised individuals result from a complex combination of immune deficiencies and viral evasion strategies. Rigorous surveillance, reinforced preventive measures, and tailored therapeutic approaches are crucial to limit complications and effectively protect the most vulnerable patients.

III. Lack of Treatment and Therapeutic Limits of hMPV in Immunocompromised Patients:

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection represents a serious threat to immunocompromised individuals due to the absence of specific antiviral treatment and the limitations of existing therapeutic options. This vulnerability leads to severe complications such as severe pneumonia, bacterial superinfections, and an increased risk of mortality. Current treatments are limited to supportive care, which is often insufficient to control the infection. Given this situation, there is an urgent need to develop targeted antivirals and effective vaccines to better protect this at-risk population.

-Absence of Specific Antiviral Treatment:

No Approved Antiviral for hMPV: Unlike other respiratory viruses such as influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which have available antiviral treatments, there is no approved specific antiviral for treating hMPV. Several factors explain this absence:

Genetic Variability of the Virus: hMPV consists of multiple subtypes (A1, A2, B1, B2), making it difficult to develop an antiviral that is effective against all variants.

Lack of Research and Investment: hMPV was relatively recently discovered (in 2001), and research efforts remain limited compared to other priority respiratory viruses.

Complexity of the Replication Cycle: The replication mechanism of hMPV involves complex interactions with host cells, making it challenging to identify effective therapeutic targets.

Limited Effectiveness of Non-Specific Antivirals: Some antivirals used against other respiratory viruses, such as ribavirin, have been tested against hMPV but with disappointing results:

Partial Efficacy: While ribavirin has shown in vitro efficacy, its clinical effectiveness remains uncertain.

Significant Side Effects: Its use is limited by severe adverse effects, including hemolytic anemia.

Lack of Robust Clinical Studies: Few solid clinical trials support the use of these antivirals for hMPV treatment.

-Limitations of Immune Therapies:

Intravenous Immunoglobulins (IVIGs): Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) are sometimes used to support the immune response, but their effectiveness against hMPV is limited:

Lack of Specific Antibodies: Available IVIGs do not consistently contain neutralizing antibodies against hMPV.

Cost and Accessibility: The high cost of IVIGs and their limited availability restrict their use in healthcare settings.

Adverse Effects: IVIG administration can cause allergic reactions, thrombosis, or renal complications.

Limitations of Experimental Vaccines: Currently, no vaccine against hMPV is commercially available, although research is ongoing:

No Available Vaccine: Experimental vaccines are in development, but none have been approved yet.

Weakened Vaccine Response: Immunocompromised patients often develop an insufficient immune response to vaccines, limiting their potential effectiveness.

Challenges in Vaccine Development: The genetic variability of hMPV complicates the design of a vaccine effective against all strains.

-Challenges in Symptomatic Management:

Limited Supportive Care: In the absence of a curative treatment, management relies on supportive care, which remains insufficient given the severity of infections:

Oxygen Therapy and Respiratory Support: These measures help alleviate respiratory symptoms but do not treat the underlying viral infection.

Corticosteroids: Used to reduce inflammation, corticosteroids can paradoxically worsen immunosuppression and promote superinfections.

Risk of Complications: Bacterial Superinfections: hMPV weakens the respiratory tract, increasing the risk of bacterial superinfections, which are difficult to treat.

Intensive Care Overload: Severe infections often require prolonged intensive care, placing additional strain on medical resources.

-Specific Challenges for Immunocompromised Patients:

Weak Immune Response: Ineffective Lymphocyte Response: Immunocompromised individuals produce fewer T lymphocytes and neutralizing antibodies, limiting their ability to clear the virus.

Persistent Infection: The inability to rapidly eliminate the virus promotes its persistence and increases the risk of recurrence.

Interaction with Immunosuppressive Treatments: Risk of Drug Interactions: Experimental antiviral treatments may interact with immunosuppressive drugs.

Worsening Immunosuppression: Some symptomatic treatments can further suppress the immune system, exacerbating the infection.

-Prospects for Therapeutic Development:

Development of Targeted Antivirals: Fusion Inhibitors: Research on molecules that prevent the virus from entering host cells.

New Antivirals: Development of innovative molecules specifically targeting hMPV replication.

Advances in Vaccination: mRNA Vaccines: Messenger RNA vaccines, effective against other respiratory viruses, could offer a solution.

Monoclonal Antibodies: Use of monoclonal antibodies to provide temporary passive immunity.

The lack of a specific antiviral treatment and the limitations of therapeutic options significantly complicate the management of Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection in immunocompromised individuals. Current care is limited to symptomatic treatment, which is often insufficient to prevent severe complications. The urgent development of targeted antiviral treatments and effective vaccines tailored to immunocompromised patients is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with this virus. A deeper understanding of hMPV infection mechanisms and immune evasion strategies is crucial to guide future therapeutic advancements.

IV. Impact of hMPV on Quality of Life and Healthcare Costs in Immunocompromised Patients:

Infection with Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) leads to severe and long-lasting consequences in immunocompromised individuals, significantly affecting their quality of life and generating high healthcare costs. This vulnerable population including cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and those undergoing immunosuppressive therapies is particularly susceptible to severe forms of the infection. The severity of symptoms, prolonged disease duration, and lack of specific antiviral treatment contribute to a significant deterioration in their health and place increasing pressure on hospital resources and healthcare systems.

-Impact on the Quality of Life of Immunocompromised Individuals:

●Prolonged and Severe Symptoms:

In immunocompromised individuals, hMPV infection causes severe and persistent respiratory symptoms, such as:

Persistent cough and respiratory distress, potentially leading to acute respiratory failure.

Prolonged fever and extreme fatigue, drastically reducing physical capabilities.

Recurrent pneumonia episodes and frequent secondary infections.

The prolonged duration of symptoms leads to significant physical deterioration, impacting mobility and daily activities.

The inability to perform simple tasks, such as eating or moving independently, results in a gradual loss of autonomy.

●Repeated Hospitalizations and Social Isolation:

Immunocompromised patients often require prolonged hospital stays and frequent readmissions to manage complications.

Strict isolation measures implemented to prevent virus transmission contribute to extreme loneliness and a sense of abandonment.

Restricted visits and separation from family and loved ones increase the risk of emotional distress, potentially leading to depression.

●Decline in Mental Health:

The chronic progression of the disease deeply affects patients’ mental health:

Anxiety related to the severity of the infection and the constant fear of complications.

A sense of helplessness due to the lack of curative treatments.

Psychological fatigue caused by repeated hospitalizations and loss of hope for recovery.

-High Healthcare Costs Associated with hMPV Infection:

●Prolonged Hospitalizations and Intensive Care:

Severe hMPV infections require extended and expensive intensive care:

Prolonged stays in specialized units (intensive care, pulmonology).

ICU admissions to manage severe complications such as acute respiratory distress.

Use of costly medical devices: mechanical ventilators, oxygen therapy, and airway suction devices.

●Increased Consultations and Medical Examinations:

Managing hMPV infection leads to substantial healthcare expenses:

Frequent specialist consultations (infectious disease, pulmonology, intensive care).

Repeated diagnostic tests (PCR, chest X-rays, CT scans) to monitor disease progression.

Regular paramedical care (respiratory physiotherapy) to restore lung function.

●Costs of Treatments and Supportive Medications:

Prescription of symptomatic medications (antipyretics, corticosteroids) to manage symptoms.

Administration of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIg), which are expensive and sometimes ineffective.

Prolonged use of medical devices and personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare staff.

●Overall Economic Impact:

Rising hospital expenses due to intensive care and prolonged hospitalizations.

Strain on healthcare systems, especially in intensive care units and oncology departments.

Indirect costs for families due to lost income and uncovered medical expenses.

-Socioeconomic and Psychosocial Consequences:

●Loss of Autonomy and Increased Dependency:

Health deterioration leads to growing dependence on caregivers for daily tasks.

There is a risk of chronic respiratory disability, significantly impacting long-term quality of life.

●Psychological Strain on Family Members:

Family members experience emotional exhaustion due to the prolonged management of the illness.

Stress from fear of complications and potential death heavily burdens families.

●Professional and Financial Impact:

Extended work absences for patients and their caregivers, affecting household income.

High financial burden due to medical expenses and out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

Reduced productivity and increased economic hardship for patients of working age.

-Solutions and Future Perspectives to Reduce the Impact:

● Strengthening Prevention Measures:

Strict implementation of hygiene protocols in hospitals.

Ongoing training for healthcare workers on infection prevention measures.

Development of preventive vaccines targeting at-risk populations.

●Development of Targeted Treatments:

Increased research investment to develop specific antivirals against hMPV.

Exploration of innovative therapies such as monoclonal antibodies and immunotherapies.

Acceleration of clinical trials to validate new therapeutic strategies.

●Comprehensive Patient Care:

Multidisciplinary care involving specialists (infectious disease experts, pulmonologists, psychologists).

Enhanced psychological support for patients and their families.

Establishment of respiratory rehabilitation programs to improve post-infection quality of life.

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection has a devastating impact on the quality of life of immunocompromised individuals and imposes significant healthcare costs. The severity of symptoms, prolonged hospitalizations, and the absence of specific treatments worsen the physical, psychological, and economic consequences for patients and their families. In response to this alarming situation, it is critical to strengthen prevention measures, invest in the development of effective treatments, and improve comprehensive patient care to mitigate the impact of this infection on vulnerable individuals and healthcare systems.

V. Psychological Support for Immunocompromised hMPV-Infected Individuals:

Infection with Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) has severe consequences not only on the physical health of immunocompromised individuals but also on their psychological well-being. The complications of the disease, prolonged hospitalizations, social isolation, and the fear of worsening health create significant mental stress. This context necessitates comprehensive psychological care to support both patients and their families, helping to reduce psychological distress and improve quality of life.

-Psychological Impact of hMPV Infection:

●Anxiety and Fear of Death: The severity of symptoms and the risk of serious complications (pneumonia, respiratory distress) generate constant anxiety.

Awareness of vulnerability to infection intensifies the fear of death, particularly in patients with chronic or terminal illnesses.

The lack of specific treatment for hMPV exacerbates feelings of helplessness.

●Social Isolation and Loneliness:

Strict isolation measures in hospital settings to prevent viral transmission increase feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

Visitor restrictions and separation from loved ones lead to feelings of abandonment, intensifying emotional distress.

●Depression and Loss of Motivation:

The chronic progression of the infection can result in deep depression.

Loss of independence and limitations in daily activities contribute to lower self-esteem and a decline in motivation.

●Psychological Fatigue and Post-Traumatic Stress:

Repeated hospitalizations, invasive treatments, and fear of relapse lead to mental exhaustion.

Some patients may develop post-traumatic stress symptoms after surviving a severe form of the disease.

-Consequences on the Healing Process:

Psychological well-being plays a crucial role in the body’s ability to fight infection and recover. In immunocompromised patients, mental distress can worsen the disease in several ways:

●Weakened Immune Response:

Chronic stress and anxiety can suppress immune function, making the body more vulnerable to infections and slowing recovery.

Declining mental health can also complicate the body’s response to medical treatments.

●Reduced Treatment Adherence:

Patients experiencing severe depression or anxiety may be less likely to adhere to treatments or actively participate in rehabilitation.

Lack of motivation may also limit participation in supportive care, such as respiratory physiotherapy.

●Increased Risk of Risky Behaviors:

Some patients may engage in negligent behaviors toward hygiene or isolation measures, increasing the risk of complications and nosocomial transmission.

-Importance of Psychological Support:

Providing appropriate psychological support is essential to help immunocompromised patients manage the emotional consequences of hMPV infection.

●Reducing Stress and Anxiety:

Establish regular psychological consultations with specialized hospital care psychologists.

Introduce stress management techniques: relaxation, meditation, and breathing exercises to ease anxiety.

Implement supportive psychotherapy to help patients express their fears and emotions.

●Prevention and Management of Depression:

Early screening for signs of depression and anxiety through regular psychological assessments.

Access to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help patients manage negative thoughts and build resilience.

Pharmacological support if necessary (antidepressants or anxiolytics under medical supervision).

●Combating Social Isolation:

Provide communication tools: video conferencing to maintain contact with loved ones despite hospital isolation.

Facilitate support groups (online or in person) to encourage exchanges between patients facing similar situations.

Offer engaging activities to break isolation (reading, creative hobbies, music).

●Support for Caregivers and Families:

Offer psychological support to family members to help them manage the stress related to the patient’s condition.

Organize informational workshops for caregivers to better understand the disease and patient needs.

Create support groups for families to share experiences with others facing similar challenges.

-Integrating Psychological Support into Comprehensive Care:

To be effective, psychological support must be fully integrated into the multidisciplinary care of patients infected with hMPV.

●Multidisciplinary Collaboration:

Ensure coordination between physicians, psychologists, nurses, and social workers for comprehensive follow-up.

Develop personalized care plans that address both mental health and psychological needs.

●Improved Access to Psychological Resources:

Implement psychological support services directly within intensive care units and specialized hospital wards.

Provide remote consultations to maintain continuity of care after hospital discharge.

Psychological support is a vital component in managing immunocompromised patients infected with Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV). The emotional impact of this severe infection exacerbates physical complications and slows recovery. Providing appropriate psychological care, offering personalized support, and assisting family members are essential measures to improve the quality of life of patients and strengthen their ability to fight the disease.

Conclusion:

Addressing Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) infections in immunocompromised individuals requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses strict infection control measures, ongoing research for targeted antiviral therapies, and holistic patient care. The combination of severe physical complications and psychological distress significantly impacts the health and well-being of vulnerable patients, highlighting the urgent need for integrated medical and psychological interventions. Strengthening hospital prevention protocols, advancing therapeutic research, and prioritizing psychological support can collectively mitigate the devastating effects of hMPV. Ultimately, a proactive, multidisciplinary strategy is essential to safeguard immunocompromised patients, enhance their quality of life, and reduce the burden on healthcare systems.