Korean J Crit Care Med.  2013 Nov;28(4):331-335. 10.4266/kjccm.2013.28.4.331.

Disseminated Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

• Lee B
• Hwang J
• Choi YH
• Han YJ
• Choi YH
• Park JD

• KMID: 1977513
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4266/kjccm.2013.28.4.331

Abstract

Disseminated neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection is one of the most severe neonatal infections, and can have devastating consequences without early proper treatment. However, the administration of acyclovir can often be delayed because the symptoms and signs of HSV infection are non-specific and because HSV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results may be negative early in the course of HSV infection. We report a case of disseminated neonatal HSV infection that was diagnosed by type 1 HSV PCR on day 8 of admission. Despite delayed administration of acyclovir, the patient was cured and subsequently discharged after 30 days of admission. Fortunately, this patient was treated successfully, but delayed administration of acyclovir has the potential to lead to significant problems. Considering the seriousness of neonatal HSV infection, empirical acyclovir therapy should be considered if HSV infection is suspected.

Keyword

dissemination; herpes simplex virus; neonates

MeSH Terms

Acyclovir
Herpes Simplex*
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Methylmethacrylates
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Polystyrenes
Pregnancy Complications, Infectious
Simplexvirus*
Acyclovir
Methylmethacrylates
Polystyrenes