Neonatal Herpes synonyms

Neonatal herpes, also known as congenital herpes, refers to a viral infection that affects newborn babies. It is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and can have severe consequences if not promptly diagnosed and treated. Neonatal herpes can be transmitted to the baby during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, and in rare cases, through postnatal contact.

HSV is categorized into two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-2 is the most common cause of neonatal herpes, usually transmitted through genital herpes lesions during childbirth. However, HSV-1 can also cause neonatal herpes, often through oral-to-genital contact.

Neonatal herpes can present in three different forms:

1. Disseminated herpes: This is the most severe form, where the virus spreads throughout the baby's body, affecting multiple organs. It can lead to organ failure, sepsis, and neurological complications.


2. Skin, eye, and mouth herpes: In this form, the virus primarily affects the skin, eyes, and mouth of the newborn. It can cause skin lesions, eye inflammation (conjunctivitis), and mouth sores.


3. Central nervous system herpes: This form primarily affects the baby's brain and spinal cord, leading to encephalitis, seizures, and developmental delays.

Early symptoms of neonatal herpes may include fever, poor feeding, lethargy, skin rash, and irritability. However, these signs can be nonspecific and easily mistaken for other common newborn conditions.

Diagnosis of neonatal herpes involves laboratory tests, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or viral culture, to detect the presence of HSV in the baby's body fluids or lesions. Prompt diagnosis is crucial to initiate appropriate treatment.

Treatment for neonatal herpes typically involves antiviral medications, such as acyclovir, administered intravenously. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the infection and the baby's response to therapy.

Prevention of neonatal herpes involves careful management of genital herpes during pregnancy, including antiviral medications, avoiding genital lesions at the time of delivery, and considering a cesarean delivery if active lesions are present.

It is important for healthcare providers to be vigilant in recognizing the signs of neonatal herpes and promptly initiating appropriate management to minimize the potential complications associated with this serious viral infection.