Preventing herpes simplex virus in the newborn

Swetha G. Pinninti, David W. Kimberlin

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

Genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are very common worldwide. Approximately 22% of pregnant women are infected genitally with HSV, and most of them are unaware of this. The most devastating consequence of maternal genital herpes is HSV disease in the newborn. Although neonatal HSV infections remain uncommon, due to the significant morbidity and mortality associated with the infection, HSV infection in the newborn is often considered in the differential diagnosis of ill neonates. This review summarizes the epidemiology and management of neonatal HSV infections and discusses strategies to prevent HSV infection in the newborn.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)945-955
Number of pages11
JournalClinics in Perinatology
Volume41
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Acyclovir
  • Antiviral therapy
  • Genital herpes
  • HSV
  • PCR

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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