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Neonatal herpes simplex, or simply neonatal herpes, is a herpes infection in a newborn baby, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It occurs mostly as a result of vertical transmission of the HSV from an affected mother to her baby. [ 2 ]
About 90% of cases of herpes encephalitis are caused by herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), the same virus that causes cold sores. According to a 2006 estimate, 57% of American adults were infected with HSV-1, [ 3 ] which is spread through droplets, casual contact and sometimes sexual contact, though most infected people never have cold sores.
Herpes meningitis is typically self-limiting over 2 weeks without treatment. However, empirical use of antiviral medications such as acyclovir are considered in cases of suspected HSV meningitis to prevent progression to the more rapid and fatal HSV meningoencephalitis. [7] HSV-2 is the most common herpes virus that causes meningitis. [3]
Causes of encephalitis include viruses such as herpes simplex virus and rabies virus as well as bacteria, fungi, or parasites. [1] [2] Other causes include autoimmune diseases and certain medications. [2] In many cases the cause remains unknown. [2] Risk factors include a weak immune system. [2]
Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) are two members of the human Herpesviridae family, a set of viruses that produce viral infections in the majority of humans. [1] [2] Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 are very common and contagious. They can be spread when an infected person begins shedding the virus.
A very specific exception is herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis, which can be treated with acyclovir for 2 to 3 weeks if it is provided early enough. Acyclovir significant decreases morbidity and mortality of HSV encephalitis and limits the long-term behavioral and cognitive impairments that occur with illness.