Human Parainfluenza Viruses
Human parainfluenza viruses (hPIVs) are the etiologic agents causing 'human parainfluenza.' hPIVs are a group of four distinct serotypes of enveloped single-stranded RNA viruses belonging to the paramyxovirus family. These viruses are closely associated with both human and veterinary disease. They are approximately 150-250 nm in size and composed of negative sense RNA with a genome encompassing ~15,000 nucleotides.
The viruses can be detected via cell culture, immunofluorescent microscopy, and PCR. hPIV remains the second main cause of hospitalisation in children under 5 years of age suffering from a respiratory illness (only respiratory syncytial virus causes more respiratory hospitalisations for this age group).
Read more about Human Parainfluenza Viruses: Classification, Clinical Significance, Diagnosis, Morbidity and Mortality, Prevention, Medication, Interactions With The Environment, Economic Burden, External Reading
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