Neonatal herpes simplex

Neonatal Herpes Simplex

Neonatal herpes simplex (/niːəˈneɪtəl ˈhɜːrpiːz ˈsɪmplɛks/) is a rare but serious condition, usually caused by vertical transmission of herpes simplex virus from mother to newborn.

Etymology

The term "neonatal" is derived from neo, "new", and natal, "pertaining to birth or origin". "Herpes simplex" is derived from the Greek word 'herpein' which means to creep, and 'simplex' meaning simple.

Causes

Neonatal herpes simplex is caused by virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), which is divided into two types: HSV-1 (or oral herpes) and HSV-2 (or genital herpes). Most neonatal herpes simplex infections are caused by HSV-2, but a growing number of cases are caused by HSV-1.

Symptoms

Symptoms of neonatal herpes simplex may include irritability, seizures, respiratory distress, jaundice, bleeding and often vesicular exanthem.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of neonatal herpes simplex can be difficult, but it should be suspected in any newborn with irritability, seizures, or vesicles on the skin. The diagnosis can be confirmed by cultures of the blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and vesicular fluid.

Treatment

Treatment for neonatal herpes simplex usually involves antiviral medications, such as acyclovir. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the survival rate and limit the degree of cognitive and motor developmental delays in survivors.

Prognosis

The prognosis for neonatal herpes simplex depends on the extent of the disease. If the disease is limited to the skin, eyes, and mouth, the survival rate is over 90%. If the disease has spread to the central nervous system, the survival rate drops to approximately 50%.

Prevention

Prevention of neonatal herpes simplex involves preventing the transmission of the virus from mother to baby. This can be achieved by performing a cesarean section in women with active genital herpes lesions at the time of delivery.

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Neonatal herpes simplex
• Wikipedia's article - Neonatal herpes simplex

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