HMPV In India: What Are The Tests To Detect It, And How Much Do They Cost

Days after reports emerged about the spread of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, five cases of the virus have already been reported in India. The first two cases were reported in Karnataka's Bengaluru, affecting babies who were three months old and eight months old. Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have also reported one and two HMPV cases, respectively.

The central government, however, clarified that the respiratory virus, which primarily impacts children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, has been circulating "globally" and assured that there is no cause for panic.

"Health experts have clarified that HMPV is not a new virus. It was first identified in 2001...," Union Health Minister JP Nadda said after India reported five cases. He assured that there is no need to worry and the Centre is closely monitoring the situation.

But how to detect if you have HMPV? Are there any dedicated tests for it?

Dr Abhirup Sarkar, laboratory director at Suraksha Diagnostics, told NDTV Profit on Tuesday that the virus is typically detected using the PCR method, the same technique employed to identify the Coronavirus.

"The testing for HMPV has been available for years now. Most of the top labs including us have been doing HMPV tests for several years now," Sarkar said.

The HMPV tests are generally done as part of "a respiratory comprehensive panel," he said.

Sarkar further assured that India is "well-equipped" to perform HMPV tests if a surge in cases were to happen.

"We can test HMPV singly and also through RT PCR methods. Those are already well-known. Most of the labs are already equipped to do this testing. If any surge comes, we are well equipped, and India is well equipped to do that," he said.

However, the prices of a comprehensive HMPV test can burn a hole in your pocket.

"Generally, if you test HMPV as part of a comprehensive respiratory panel, the price can be Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000," Sarkar said.

One can also opt for a single HMPV test rather than a comprehensive test, in which case the prices will be lower.

"You can also test it singly as a single, human metapneumovirus detection. Then it can cost you around Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000," Sarkar said.

HMPV gained attention following a recent outbreak in China. Media reports indicated that hospitals and crematoriums were overwhelmed due to a sudden surge in the spread of HMPV across the country.