Value of herpes simplex virus type-specific serology: a case report

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Neonatal Medicine
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Genital herpes, primarily caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), is a common sexually transmitted infection.
• Intrauterine HSV-2 infections are infrequently documented in medical literature.
• Early diagnosis and management are crucial for neonatal outcomes.

Observation:

• A preterm neonate (30+2 weeks) presented with respiratory distress syndrome and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
• Chorioretinal scars were identified at 6 weeks of age.
• Recurrent HSV-2 infection with nasal lesions manifested by 4 months of age.

Findings:

• Retrospective, type-specific serologic testing confirmed maternal HSV-2 infection.
• Prenatal transmission of HSV-2 to the infant was diagnosed.
• The infant's clinical presentation was linked to intrauterine HSV-2 exposure.

Implications:

• Intrauterine HSV-2 infections might be underrepresented due to a lack of severe congenital anomalies.
• Diagnosis necessitates specialized HSV type-specific serologic assays, which are not universally available.
• Increased awareness and utilization of specific serological tests are vital for accurate diagnosis and management of prenatal HSV-2 cases.