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Eye infections with herpes simplex viruses in neonates
Survey of Ophthalmology
|September 1, 1976
Summary
Severe ocular herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in newborns, acquired in utero, presents diagnostic and management challenges. Approximately 20% of infected newborns exhibit ocular issues like microphthalmia and cataracts.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatal Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in neonates can lead to severe complications.
- Ocular involvement is a significant manifestation of neonatal HSV infection.
- Understanding the spectrum of ocular findings is crucial for timely intervention.
Observation:
- A case of a newborn with in utero acquired severe ocular HSV type 2 infection highlights diagnostic and management difficulties.
- A review of 297 neonates with HSV type 1 or 2 revealed ocular involvement in approximately one-fifth of cases.
Findings:
- Ocular manifestations include microphthalmia, conjunctivitis, keratitis, chorioretinitis, optic neuritis, and cataracts.
- HSV type 2 infection acquired in utero can present with severe ocular disease.
- A substantial proportion of neonates with HSV infection develop ocular complications.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and appropriate management are critical to prevent vision loss in affected newborns.
- Increased awareness of ocular signs of neonatal HSV infection is needed among clinicians.
- Further research into optimal treatment strategies for ocular HSV in neonates is warranted.