Herpes Simplex Virus Infection in Neonates Born to Asymptomatic Mothers: A Case Series

Abstract

Neonatal herpes is a rare condition and it is normally acquired through vertical transmission in the peripartum period. Delayed diagnosis and treatment of this condition are associated with high morbidity and mortality. We present five cases of neonatal herpes in infants born to asymptomatic mothers. Three of these infants were girls, three were born preterm, three were born after prolonged rupture of membranes, three had herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 2, and one had central nervous system (CNS) involvement. In all cases, the dermatologist played a key role in establishing an early diagnosis. Given the absence of a vaccine or a cost-effective method of screening for HSV infection in asymptomatic mothers, the current management strategies focus on the prevention of maternal infection and mother-to-child transmission, as well as early diagnosis and treatment of neonatal infection.