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Treatment of herpes simplex virus infections in pediatric patients: current status and future needs

S H James1, R J Whitley

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.

Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
|October 1, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections in children can range from mild to life-threatening. The antiviral drug acyclovir effectively treats HSV infections, reducing recurrences and mortality in neonatal and pediatric cases.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Antiviral Therapeutics

Background:

  • Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2) are part of the Herpesviridae family.
  • These viruses establish latency post-infection and can reactivate.
  • HSV infections in neonates and children present a spectrum from mucocutaneous disease to severe CNS and disseminated infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impact of acyclovir on HSV infections in pediatric populations.
  • To highlight the effectiveness of acyclovir in managing HSV-related mucocutaneous disease, CNS infections, and disseminated disease.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on HSV infections in neonatal and pediatric populations.
  • Analysis of treatment outcomes with acyclovir.

Main Results:

  • Acyclovir significantly improves outcomes for HSV infections in children.
  • Treatment with acyclovir reduces the frequency of mucocutaneous recurrences.
  • Acyclovir decreases mortality associated with CNS and disseminated HSV infections.

Conclusions:

  • Acyclovir is a crucial antiviral agent for managing HSV infections in pediatric patients.
  • Effective treatment with acyclovir leads to better prognoses for severe HSV manifestations.
  • Early intervention with acyclovir is vital for improving survival and reducing morbidity in neonates and children with HSV.

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