[Herpes simplex virus infection in the newborn]

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Neonatology
• Neurology

Context:

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection presents a rare but serious threat to newborns.
• Despite aggressive Acyclovir therapy, adverse psychomotor development outcomes persist.

Purpose:

• To review recent literature on clinical presentations, diagnostic methods, therapeutic approaches, and prophylaxis of neonatal HSV infections.

Summary:

• Neonatal HSV infection, though infrequent, carries significant risks for long-term neurological deficits.
• Current high-dose Acyclovir treatment regimens do not guarantee favorable psychomotor development prognosis.
• The review synthesizes current knowledge on HSV diagnosis, management, and prevention in neonates.

Impact:

• Informs clinicians about the challenges in managing neonatal HSV and the limitations of current treatments.
• Highlights the critical need for improved diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions for better neonatal outcomes.
• Emphasizes the importance of disease prophylaxis to reduce the incidence and severity of neonatal herpes simplex virus infections.