A Review of the Treatment of Ocular Herpes Simplex Infections in the Neonate and Immunocompromised Host

Abstract

Infection of newborns and immunocompromised hosts with herpes simplex virus appears to be no more common than in the normal adult. However, the disease tends to be more difficult to treat in the newborn because of poor patient compliance, delay in the diagnosis, and the tendency for retinal disease to occur. The disease is more difficult to treat in the immunocompromised host because of the necessity for maintenance of immunosuppression. Initial treatment is usually the same as used for adults unless intraocular infection occurs. Early diagnosis and treatment in the newborn can prevent corneal opacification and amblyopia, whereas ocular disease in the immunocompromised host may be an insignificant problem compared with infection elsewhere in the host's body.