Homoeopathic approach to Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Infection

Dr Roopali Sharma

INTRODUCTION
Outbreaks of HMPV have been documented worldwide, making it a global health problem. The virus is extremely contagious and can be transmitted by respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces, and close contact. An eight-month-old baby was the victim of a recent Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) incident in Bengaluru, India. The virus known as Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a member of the Paramyxoviridae family’s Metapneumovirus genus. It was initially discovered in 2001 and is a significant contributor to respiratory ailments, especially in young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. The purpose of this descriptive study is to investigate homeopathy’s possible application in the treatment of HMPV infections. Through a thorough analysis of the body of existing research, case studies, clinical observations, and surveys, the study explores the utilization of particular homeopathic remedies for symptomatic alleviation. The study lists popular homeopathic remedies and evaluates how well they are said to work at reducing HMPV symptoms such as congestion, coughing, and wheezing.  More controlled clinical trials are required to ascertain whether incorporating homopathy into conventional HMPV treatment methods is feasible.

KEYWORDS: Homoeopathy, Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), immunity.

Transmission of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)

1. Direct Contact

• Close contact: Touching, shaking hands, or sharing food and drinks with an infected person.
• Respiratory secretions: Coming into contact with respiratory droplets, such as those produced by coughing or sneezing.

1. Indirect Contact

• Contaminated surfaces: Touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching one’s face.
• Fomites: Objects that can carry the virus, such as toys, utensils, or medical equipment.

1. Airborne Transmission

• Respiratory droplets: Inhaling respiratory droplets that contain the virus.
• Aerosol transmission: Inhaling aerosolized particles that contain the virus, such as those produced by coughing or sneezing.

High-Risk Groups

1. Young children: Under the age of 5.
2. Older adults: Over the age of 65.
3. Immunocompromised individuals: Those with weakened immune systems, such as HIV/AIDS patients or cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
4. Chronic disease patients: Those with underlying conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes.

SYMPTOMS

1. Cough: HMPV infection often begins with a dry, hacking cough.
2. Runny nose: Nasal congestion and rhinorrhea (runny nose) are common symptoms.
3. Sneezing: Sneezing can occur due to irritation of the nasal passages and sinuses.
4. Shortness of breath: In severe cases, HMPV can cause difficulty breathing or rapid breathing rate.
5. Wheezing: Wheezing or a high-pitched sound while breathing can occur, especially in young children.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS:

1. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): A common cause of respiratory illness in young children.
2. Influenza: A viral infection that can cause similar symptoms to HMPV.
3. Other respiratory viruses: Such as adenovirus, coronavirus, and rhinovirus.

DIAGNOSIS
Dignosing HMPV can be challenging, as the symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory viruses. Here are the common methods used to diagnose HMPV:

Laboratory Tests

1. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): A molecular test that detects the genetic material of the virus.
2. Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-PCR): A variation of PCR that detects the viral RNA.
3. Serological tests: Blood tests that detect antibodies against HMPV.

Specimen Collection

1. Nasopharyngeal swab (NPS): A swab inserted through the nostril to collect  a sample from the nasopharynx.
2. Oropharyngeal swab (OPS): A swab inserted through the mouth to collect a sample from the oropharynx.
3. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL): A procedure that collects a sample from the lungs.

Rapid Diagnostic Tests

1. Antigen detection tests: Rapid tests that detect HMPV antigens in respiratory specimens.
2. Molecular point-of-care tests: Rapid molecular tests that detect HMPV genetic material.

Imaging Studies:

1. Chest X-ray: May show signs of pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
2. Computed Tomography (CT) scan: May be used to evaluate the extent of lung involvement.

 Clinical Evaluation:

1. Medical history: Evaluation of symptoms, underlying health conditions, and exposure history.
2. Physical examination: Assessment of respiratory status, including lung auscultation and oxygen saturation.

PREVENTION OF HMPV INFECTION- Currently, no vaccines or specific antiviral treatments are available for HMPV. Prevention relies on standard hygiene practices and probative measures. Crucial strategies include:

1. Hand Hygiene Regular washing of hands with cleaner and water for at least 20 seconds can significantly reduce the threat of infection.
2. Respiratory Etiquette Covering the mouth and nose with a towel or elbow when coughing or sneezing helps minimize the spread of respiratory driblets.
3. Surface Disinfection Cleaning and disinfecting constantly touched shells, such as doorknobs, light switches, and mobile bias, can limit contagion transmission.
4. Use of Masks Wearing masks in crowded or high-risk areas can reduce the inhalation of contagion-laden aerosols.
5. Healthy life Maintaining a robust vulnerable system through a balanced diet, regular exercise and acceptable sleep can enhance the body’s capability to fight infections.
6. Insulation-infected individuals should avoid close contact with others, particularly vulnerable populations, until they recover.

HOMOEOPATHIC THERAPEUTICS FOR HMPV –

1. Aconitum Napellus:Effective in the early stages of a cold or flu, particularly when symptoms arise suddenly, accompanied by high fever and restlessness.
2. Bryonia Alba:Recommended for dry coughs, chest pain, and irritation aggravated by movement.
3. Antimonium Tartaricum:Beneficial for wet, rattling coughs with difficulty expectorating mucus. Suitable for individuals with significant respiratory discomfort.
4. Belladonna:Useful for high fever, sore throat, and throbbing headaches. It is particularly effective when symptoms develop rapidly.
5. Phosphorus:Indicated for individuals experiencing hoarseness, cough, and chest tightness, particularly when symptoms worsen in the evening.
6. Hepar Sulphuris:Suitable for cases of croup or bronchiolitis with a barking cough and sensitivity to cold air.
7. Pulsatilla:Effective for nasal congestion with thick yellow-green discharge and symptoms that improve in fresh air.
8. Spongia Tosta:Recommended for dry, barking coughs, especially when symptoms are worse at night.

REPERTORIAL APPROACH- Rubrics related to hmpv infection in repertory.

1. Cough (Type & Modalities)

COUGH, Rattling, but scanty expectoration (Ant-t., Hepar, Phos.)

COUGH, Deep, exhausting (Bry., Phos.)

COUGH, Paroxysmal, choking, suffocating (Drosera, Spongia)

COUGH, Spasmodic, ending in vomiting (Drosera, Ipecac)

COUGH, Worse lying down at night (Drosera, Hepar, Kali-c.)

COUGH, Worse after talking (Phos., Rumex)

COUGH, Worse cold air (Acon., Hepar, Spongia)

COUGH, Worse in warm room (Pulsatilla)

2. Mucus & Expectoration

EXPECTORATION, Thick, yellow-green mucus (Puls., Kali-bi., Hepar)

EXPECTORATION, Stringy, tenacious mucus (Kali-bi.)

EXPECTORATION, Difficult, must swallow it (Ammon-carb, Ant-t.)

EXPECTORATION, Blood-streaked or rusty (Phos., Ferr-p.)

3. Chest & Breathing Difficulties

LUNGS, Wheezing, with cough (Ant-t., Kali-carb, Spongia)

LUNGS, Oppression, suffocative attacks (Ars., Carbo-veg, Phos.)

LUNGS, Constriction, tight feeling (Bry., Phos., Spongia)

LUNGS, Mucus, rattling, but difficult to expectorate (Ant-t., Kali-sulph.)

4. Fever & Infection

FEVER, Viral infections (Gelsemium, Baptisia, Eupatorium-perf.)

FEVER, With chills and heat alternately (Ars., Nux-v.)

FEVER, Weakness after fever (China, Gelsemium, Ferr-p.)

5. Modalities & General Symptoms

GENERALITIES, Worse damp, cold weather (Dulc., Rhus-t., Nux-v.)

GENERALITIES, Desire for fresh air (Puls., Carbo-veg.)

GENERALITIES, Weakness, post-viral (China, Gels., Ars.)

REFERENCES

1. https://www.ijaresm.com/human-metapneumovirus-hmpv-and-homoeopathy-a-descriptive-study.
2. https://homeopathyremedies.org/homeopathy-for-hmpv-virus/
3. Kent JT. Repertory of the homeopathic materia medica. New Delhi, India: B Jain; 2023.
4. Murphy RR. Homeopathic medical repertory: A modern alphabetical repertory. Hahnemann Academy of North America; 1993.
5. Murphy R. Lotus Materia Medica. New Delhi, India: B Jain; 2021.

Dr. Roopali Sharma (M.D Scholar)
Department of Homoeopathic Repertory and Case Taking.
Govt Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Bhopal-462003 (MP)