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Genital primary herpes simplex infection in a 5-month-old infant

Ana Batalla1, Angeles Flórez, Paula Dávila

  • 1Dermatology Service, Complejo Hospitalario de Pontevedra, Pontevedra, Spain. anacebey@yahoo.es

Dermatology Online Journal
|September 13, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Genital primary herpes simplex virus infection is rare in infants, with most cases being asymptomatic or oral. This case highlights a rare genital presentation in a 5-month-old infant linked to maternal oral herpes.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal infections
  • Pediatric dermatology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Primary herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections in neonates and infants are uncommon.
  • Asymptomatic or oral presentations are the most frequent clinical manifestations in this age group.
  • Genital primary HSV infection in infants is a rare occurrence.

Observation:

  • A 5-month-old male infant, exclusively breastfed, presented with a genital primary herpetic infection.
  • The infant's mother had active labial herpes during the period of potential transmission.
  • This case represents a rare instance of genital HSV transmission from mother to infant.

Findings:

  • The infant experienced a primary genital herpes simplex infection.
  • The transmission route was likely from the mother's active oral herpes lesion.
  • This underscores the potential for neonatal herpes transmission through non-oral routes.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should consider genital herpes in the differential diagnosis of infant genital lesions, even if rare.
  • Maternal active oral herpes may pose a risk for genital HSV transmission to infants.
  • Early recognition and management of neonatal herpes are crucial for preventing severe complications.

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