Congenital HSV

Background

• Occurs in children born to mothers who had primary HSV-1 or HSV-2 during pregnancy

Clinical Manifestations

• Characterized by microcephaly, hydrocephalus, chorioretinitis, and skin findings
  • Rash may be vesicular, bullous, or cicatricial
  • Rash either present at birth or within a few days
  • Two thirds have severe CNS involvement

Diagnosis

• Most commonly made with PCR of lesions or CSF
  • Do not send superficial swabs for PCR during the first 24 hours of life, since this can generate false positive from superficial contamination from the birthing process