title: Neonatal herpes simplex virus infections.
abstract: Neonatal herpes simplex virus infections are uncommon, but because of the morbidity and mortality associated with the infection they are often considered in the differential diagnosis of ill neonates. The use of polymerase chain reaction for diagnosis of central nervous system infections and the development of safe and effective antiviral therapy has revolutionized the diagnosis and management of these infants. Initiation of long-term antiviral suppressive therapy in these infants has led to significant improvement in morbidity. This article summarizes the epidemiology of neonatal herpes simplex virus infections and discusses clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and follow up of infants with neonatal herpes disease.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
authors.forename: Swetha G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Pinninti
authors.forename: David W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Kimberlin
mesh_terms: D000212:Acyclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D020805:Central Nervous System Viral Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000821:virology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000453:epidemiology; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D022301:Herpes Simplex Virus Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009017:Morbidity; D009035:Mothers; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control; D011379:Prognosis; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D022301:Herpes Simplex Virus Vaccines; D000212:Acyclovir