Neonatal disseminated herpes simplex virus infection with encephalitis treated with cytosine arabinoside

Herpes simplex encephalitis was diagnosed by immunofluorescence and histology of a brain biopsy on the 19th day of life in a neonate in whom symptoms had begun at 12 days. Treatment with steroid, diuretic and cytosine arabinoside was begun and initially there was dramatic improvement in the symptoms. This improvement was not sustained, however, and the infant developed evidence of severe brain-damage. Disseminated herpes simplex virus infection is discussed and available therapy for this severe disease is outlined.