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Genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) isolation during pregnancy.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|March 1, 1979
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) can be transmitted to newborns even without visible maternal lesions. Viral cultures and clinical assessment are crucial for pregnant women with HSV to ensure infant safety.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatal Health
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection poses risks during pregnancy.
- Neonatal herpes can result from intrapartum transmission.
- Asymptomatic maternal shedding of HSV is a concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the course of laboratory-confirmed herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection during pregnancy.
- To assess the delivery outcomes and infant health in mothers with HSV.
- To highlight the importance of diagnostic methods in managing maternal HSV.
Main Methods:
- Repeated viral cultures were performed on eight pregnant patients with confirmed HSV.
- Clinical assessment of maternal lesions was conducted.
- Infant outcomes and delivery methods were monitored.
Main Results:
- All eight patients eventually became culture-negative for HSV.
- Two patients did not exhibit typical HSV lesions during the study.
- All patients delivered healthy infants vaginally.
Conclusions:
- Pregnant women with HSV require careful monitoring, including viral cultures.
- Clinical assessment alone may not identify all women at risk of transmitting HSV.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are vital to prevent neonatal herpes transmission.