Human parainfluenza viruses

Human parainfluenza viruses (hPIVs) are the viruses that cause '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).

Classification

The first hPIV was discovered in the late 1950s. The taxonomic division is broadly based on antigenic and genetic characteristics, forming four major serotypes. These include: