Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2025
05:51
Intracerebroventricular and Intravascular Injection of Viral Particles and Fluorescent Microbeads into the Neonatal Brain
Published on: July 24, 2016
19.4K
Disseminated herpes simplex virus infection in pregnancy
Aida Oliveros1, Paula Andrea Fonseca1, Carlos Andrés Pérez2
1Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Medellín, Colombia.
Biomedica : Revista Del Instituto Nacional De Salud
|November 12, 2024
Summary
Disseminated herpes simplex virus type 2 infection in a mother during the perinatal period led to viral hepatitis and fetal death. High clinical suspicion is crucial for diagnosing this infection, even without visible lesions.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neonatal Medicine
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2 are common STIs in women, with higher rates in developing nations.
- Perinatal HSV infection can cause severe maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, including neurological issues in newborns.
- Diagnosis is challenging due to asymptomatic cases or non-specific symptoms, necessitating high clinical suspicion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of disseminated HSV-2 infection with viral hepatitis and fetal demise.
- To emphasize the importance of suspecting HSV in febrile pregnant women with systemic compromise, even without a rash.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Clinical and laboratory findings review.
Main Results:
- A mother presented with disseminated herpes simplex virus type 2 infection.
- The infection was associated with viral hepatitis and resulted in fetal death.
- The absence of a rash did not preclude a severe systemic HSV-2 infection.
Conclusions:
- Disseminated HSV-2 infection during the perinatal period poses significant risks to both mother and fetus.
- Clinical vigilance for HSV is essential in pregnant women with systemic symptoms, particularly fever, regardless of visible mucocutaneous lesions.
