Neonatal herpes infection: a review

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a devastating infection in the neonatal patient. The incidence of maternal HSV infection and consequent neonatal infection has increased significantly over the last several decades due to changing sexual practices. Despite the improvements in outcome with the use of high dose acyclovir, a delay in the diagnosis of HSV has been associated with progression of the disease and increased mortality and morbidity. Even with adequate treatment, permanent sequalae, such as developmental delay, cerebral palsy, blindness, and persistent seizures may occur. Since the onset of symptoms can occur up to four weeks of age, clinicians caring for infants in any setting including the neonatal intensive care unit, the well baby nursery, pediatric floors, emergency rooms, and outpatient clinics must be fully aware of the clinical presentation, evaluation, treatment, and prevention of neonatal HSV infection to facilitate successful diagnosis and treatment of this deadly disease.