Neonatal herpes simplex virus (hsv) infection

[Lanell]

Neonatal herpes simplex virus infection is usually transmitted during delivery. A typical sign is vesicular eruption, which may be accompanied by or progress to disseminated disease. Diagnosis is by viral culture, polymerase chain reaction testing, immunofluorescence, or electron microscopy. Treatment is with high-dose parenteral acyclovir and supportive care.
(See also Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections in adults and Overview of Neonatal Infections.)
Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection has high mortality and significant morbidity. Incidence estimates range from 1/3,000 to 1/20,000 births. HSV type 2 causes more cases than HSV type 1.
HSV is usually transmitted during delivery through an infected maternal genital tract. Transplacental transmission of virus and hospital-acquired spread from one neonate to another by hospital personnel or family may account for some cases. Mothers of neonates with HSV infection tend to have newly acquired genital infection, but many have not had symptoms at the time of delivery.