Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Question 1

How can neonatal HSV occur?

Answer 1

It can occur during delivery when the baby comes into contact with primary vesicles in the maternal genital tract.

Question 2

What are the 2 classifications of features in a neonate?

Answer 2

Local features

Disseminated features

Question 3

What local features of HSV can a neonate present with?

Answer 3

• Vesicular lesions on the skin, eye or oral mucosa

* No internal organ involvement.

Question 4

Where can the vesicular lesions occur?

Answer 4

On the skin, eye or oral mucosa

Question 5

What are the possible disseminated features of HSV?

Answer 5

• Seizures
• Encephalitis
• Hepatitis
• Sepsis.

Question 6

When do the disseminated symptoms typically present in a neonate?

Answer 6

In the first week of birth

Question 7

How long can manifestation of HSV take in a new born?

Answer 7

Up to 4 weeks

Question 8

What is the management of neonatal HSV?

Answer 8

Parenteral acyclovir

Question 9

What is the management of a severe HSV infection?

Answer 9

Parenteral acyclovir along with intensive supportive therapy