[Herpes genitalis and herpes neonatorum (author's transl)]

This review discusses some basic virologic as well as epidemiologic aspects of herpes genitalis and herpes neonatorum. The clinical picture of herpes neonatorum is presented. At the moment, from the point of view of survival and of psycho-motoric development, the prognosis of this neonatal infection is poor. This fact, as well as the inability of therapeutic trials to modify the prognostic outlook, derive from the hitherto published experiences. Up to this time, the literature also fails to prove the validity of prophylactic cesarean section in preventing neonatal herpes simplex infection. Based on theoretical grounds, however, this prophylactic intervention seems still to be justified under specific circumstances. Repeated cervical smears toward the end of pregnancy are recommended: virologic cultures, whose results can often be communicated after 24 hours, are helpful in deciding if cesarean section is to be performed.