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Asymptomatic neonatal contamination with herpes simplex virus
J A Carver1, S H Arnoldi, D M Abel
1St. Luke's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine.
Summary
Asymptomatic neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) contamination can occur in newborns. Maternal viral shedding during pregnancy and delivery method showed a weak link to this neonatal contamination.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neonatal Health
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) poses risks to newborns.
- Understanding neonatal HSV contamination is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of asymptomatic neonatal HSV contamination.
- To explore the relationship between maternal and neonatal HSV colonization.
Main Methods:
- Collected frequent maternal vaginal/lesion cultures during pregnancy.
- Obtained infant oropharyngeal samples on day one of life.
- Analyzed cord blood HSV-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) titers.
Main Results:
- Identified asymptomatic neonatal HSV contamination in oropharyngeal samples.
- Found no significant difference in cord blood HSV-ELISA titers between groups.
- Observed a poor correlation between maternal viral shedding and neonatal contamination.
- Delivery mode did not appear strongly related to neonatal contamination.
Conclusions:
- Asymptomatic neonatal HSV contamination is possible.
- Maternal viral shedding and delivery method are not strong predictors of neonatal contamination.
- Further research is needed to establish incidence and maternal-neonate transmission dynamics.