Neonatal Herpes Simplex
Herpes simplex infection of the baby occurs during birth.
It is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV.
Aetiology
- HSV type 1- in 20% of cases.
- HSV type 2- in 80% of cases
Clinical features
Localised skin, mouth, eye infection in 30% of cases
Skin infections
- Group vesicles, pustules
- Generally occurs in the 3rd to 7th day of life
Eye infection
- Keratitis
- Chorioretinitis
Nervous system infections.
- Can occur up to 3 weeks from birth
- Presents as encephalitis with seizures, irritability or lethargy
Investigations
- Viral culture- local secretions and blood
- Lumbar puncture with testing of cerebrospinal fluid, liver enzymes.
Treatment
- Hospitalisation
- Intravenous acyclovir for at least 2 weeks
- Ophthalmic examination
Prognosis
- Mortality can be up to 50% from Herpes infection