Successful outcome of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) pneumonia in a lung transplant recipient treated with intravenous ribavirin

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) has recently been shown to be a prominent cause of respiratory infections in immunocompromised hosts, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We report a case of hMPV pneumonia in a lung transplant recipient presenting with respiratory failure and sepsis syndrome. hMPV was diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction, and treated with intravenous ribavirin with a successful outcome.

Bite the hand that sprays you

A 56-year-old man presented with a cutaneous lesion on his right hand (Figure 1). Approximately 6 weeks previously, he had traveled to Costa Rica for missionary work. During his travel he used a diethyltoluamide-containing insect repellant, but spent one night in the jungle without a mosquito net. Four weeks after his return, he noted a 3 x 2.5-cm ulcer with raised edges and surrounding erythema on the dorsum of his right hand. The patient recalled applying insect repellant with his right hand to other exposed areas of his body but was remiss in applying it to the right hand itself. On examination, the patient was noted to have an ulcerated nodule near his right earlobe (Figure 2) and a second 2 x 1-cm ulcer on the volar aspect of his right wrist (Figure 3). There were no mucocutaneous lesions noted. During the next several weeks, numerous nodules developed in a sporotrichoid pattern on the extensor surface of his right arm (Figure 4). Skin biopsy was performed at the time of initial evaluation and revealed cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania panamensis. After discussing the different treatment options, miltefosine was administered orally for 28 days. The patient experienced an excellent response to therapy.