Reasons for the absence of a history of recurrent genital infections in mothers of neonates infected with herpes simplex virus.

摘要: Thirty-one cases of neonatal herpes simplex (HSV) infection were evaluated to determine how often mothers infected infants lacked a history recurrent genital infections and the reasons for its absence. A was elicited from eight (26%) mothers. Nine (29%) had primary infections; three these oral six genital. The mother not source in (9.6%) cases. In eleven (35%) cases, antibody HSV but did have or findings infection. Two positive cervical vaginal cultures, neither lesions typical perinatal period. documented later. remained uncertain 23% including two which only father When with period excluded, neutralization titers similar whose infected. contrast, fourfold lower than their mother9s titer as well 16 exposed who uninfected. This discrepancy suggests that may rise late pregnancy placental transport limited. Although 26% infections, an easily elicitable history. Most will be avoidable until epidemiology maternal nonmaternal sources is understood identification women are never symptomatic improved.