Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is among the most severely debilitating viruses that can infect the neonate, and is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Neonatal HSV infection generally is acquired in the peripartum period, and can be devastating if not diagnosed appropriately. Studies conducted over several decades have advanced our knowledge of the benefit of antiviral therapy on neonatal HSV disease outcomes. As such, many neonates now are effectively treated and experience no or fewer long-term sequelae of this potentially devastating infection. Clinicians must be astute, because early diagnosis and early treatment are key to a better prognosis.