Related Experiment Videos
Neonatal herpes simplex virus infections: pathogenesis and therapy
1School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama, Birmingham 35294-0011.
Pathologie-Biologie
|September 1, 1992
Summary
Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are rising, affecting 1 in 3,500-5,000 births. Antiviral treatments improve outcomes but mortality remains significant for severe cases.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections present a growing public health concern in North America.
- Incidence rates range from 1 in 3,500 to 1 in 5,000 deliveries annually.
- Neonatal HSV infections manifest in three distinct forms: localized (skin, eye, mouth), central nervous system (CNS) encephalitis, or disseminated disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the pathogenesis and current treatment strategies for neonatal HSV infections.
- To highlight the impact of antiviral therapy on mortality and morbidity.
- To provide an overview of ongoing research in the United States.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on neonatal HSV infection.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on incidence rates.
- Evaluation of the efficacy of antiviral therapies like acyclovir and vidarabine.
Main Results:
- Antiviral therapy has demonstrably reduced mortality and improved outcomes for affected neonates.
- Advances in treatment can prevent disease progression from localized to more severe forms.
- Despite treatment, mortality rates remain substantial: approximately 15% for CNS disease and 50% for disseminated disease.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal HSV infection requires prompt diagnosis and management with antiviral agents.
- Continued research is crucial to further improve treatment efficacy and reduce mortality.
- Understanding pathogenesis is key to developing novel therapeutic approaches.