Human parainfluenza viruses classification

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

HPIVs are negative-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses that possess fusion and hemagglutinin-neuraminidase glycoprotein “spikes” on their surface. There are four serotypes types of HPIV (1 through 4) and two subtypes (4a and 4b). The virion varies in size (average diameter between 150 and 300 nm) and shape, is unstable in the environment (surviving a few hours on environmental surfaces), and is readily inactivated with soap and water.

The four serotypes include:

• Human parainfluenza virus type 1: HPIV-1 (most common cause of croup; also other upper and lower respiratory tract illnesses typical)
• Human parainfluenza virus type 2: HPIV-2 (causes croup and other upper and lower respiratory tract illnesses)
• Human parainfluenza virus type 3: HPIV-3 (associated with bronchiolitis and pneumonia)
• Human parainfluenza virus type 4: HPIV-4 (includes subtypes 4a and 4b)

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