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Congenital herpes simplex virus, type 2, bilateral endophthalmitis
Transactions of the American Ophthalmological Society
|January 1, 1977
Summary
Dizygotic twins developed severe herpes simplex encephalitis shortly after birth. One twin died from disseminated infection with ocular and systemic involvement, while the other recovered from a milder form.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal infections
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections can cause severe neonatal disease.
- Premature infants are particularly vulnerable to disseminated HSV infections.
- Ocular involvement in neonatal herpes can lead to significant morbidity and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of dizygotic twins with neonatal herpes simplex encephalitis.
- To detail the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and outcomes.
- To highlight the potential for severe ocular and systemic disease in neonates.
Main Methods:
- Clinical case reporting.
- Viral isolation (Herpes simplex type 2) from conjunctiva, cerebrospinal fluid, nasopharynx, and trachea.
- Histopathological examination of ocular tissues.
- Light and electron microscopy for viral inclusion bodies and particles.
Main Results:
- Both premature dizygotic twins contracted herpes simplex encephalitis postnatally.
- One twin experienced severe bilateral endophthalmitis, necrotizing retinitis, and disseminated infection, leading to death.
- Herpes simplex type 2 was confirmed systemically and in ocular tissues; intranuclear inclusions and virus particles were identified.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal herpes simplex virus infection can present with severe, life-threatening ocular and systemic manifestations.
- Early diagnosis and management are crucial in neonatal herpes cases.
- Maternal and paternal history of herpes simplex virus infection may indicate a risk for neonatal transmission.