Neonatal herpes encephalitis

Infectious Disorders

Updated 03.04.2024
Released 02.25.1994
Expires For CME 03.04.2027

Neonatal herpes encephalitis

Authors: Daniel J Bonthius MD PhD, Victoria Hayes Aguilar MD

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Editor: Christina M Marra MD

Neonatal herpes encephalitis

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Introduction

Overview

Herpes simplex virus encephalitis is a catastrophic disease of newborns. Without specific therapy, 40% to 50% of neonates with this infection will die, and survivors have a high rate of neurologic sequelae. Herpes simplex virus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on CSF can reliably demonstrate herpes simplex virus infection in many neonates with herpes simplex encephalitis. However, antiviral treatment should be started immediately, without waiting for laboratory confirmation, in all cases of suspected neonatal herpes simplex virus encephalitis because delay of treatment can substantially worsen outcomes. In addition, the authors discuss how maternally-derived antibodies, from earlier maternal infection, may protect the fetus against herpes-induced morbidity and mortality.

Key points

	• In most cases of neonatal herpes encephalitis, the infection is acquired during vaginal delivery.
	• The application of polymerase chain reaction to CSF samples has revolutionized the diagnosis of central nervous system viral infection in neonates, as this method allows rapid and reliable detection of the pathogen.
	• Prompt institution of antiviral therapy is critical to minimize mortality and morbidity.
	• As CNS disease has significant morbidity, strategies to prevent vertical transmission are of fundamental importance.
	• Oral acyclovir suppression following acute treatment of neonatal herpes encephalitis improves neurodevelopmental outcome at one year.

Historical note and terminology

"Herpes," from the Greek meaning "creeping or crawling," has been used historically as a descriptor for a variety of febrile illnesses associated with vesicular exanthems or enanthems. Many of these infectious illnesses, such as herpangina, are recognized today, however, as being caused by infective agents other than the herpes viruses. More than 50 viruses are classified in the family of herpesviruses, but the most important with regard to human illness are herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), varicella-zoster virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and human herpes viruses 6, 7, and 8 (HHV-6, HHV-7, and HHV-8). Although all of these viruses can cause intrauterine and neonatal CNS infections, herpes simplex virus type 2 is the most common cause of acute, life-threatening neonatal encephalitis.

The clinical manifestations of herpes simplex virus infections in older children and adults have been known for centuries. However, it was not until the 1930s that clinical reports began to appear that distinguished neonatal herpes infection as a distinct clinical entity (20; 58).

In the early and mid-1960s, viral culture and immunologic techniques were developed that made it possible to distinguish herpes simplex virus 1 from herpes simplex virus 2 (41). Using these laboratory techniques, investigators have defined more clearly the epidemiology and pathogenesis of infections with these two types of herpes simplex virus (42; 43; 44). Herpes simplex virus 1 infects primarily the mouth, lips, eyes, and skin of the upper body. In recent decades, herpes simplex virus 1 has emerged as the most common cause of new cases of genital herpes in the United States and several other developed countries (17). In addition, herpes simplex virus 1 is the major cause of herpes encephalitis seen after the neonatal period, but it is rarely the cause of neonatal disease. Herpes simplex virus 2 infects primarily the genital tract and skin of the lower body and causes most cases of neonatal herpes simplex virus encephalitis. With further advances in virology and immunology during the 1970s and 1980s, knowledge regarding herpes simplex virus transmission, replication, latency, and reactivation expanded markedly (10; 50). Based on the better understanding of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and biology of herpes simplex virus infections that has been achieved during the past 15 to 20 years, major advances have occurred in prevention of neonatal herpes simplex virus infection and in the development of effective, safe, and specific anti-herpes simplex virus drugs.

Clinical manifestations

Presentation and course

	• Only a small proportion of neonatal herpes simplex virus infections are acquired prenatally. Most are acquired during vaginal delivery or postnatally.
	• Onset of clinical manifestations of neonatal herpes simplex virus infection usually occurs 1 to 2 weeks after delivery.
	• Infections can be localized (usually to the skin, mouth, and conjunctiva), disseminated (in which virtually all organs can be impacted), or localized to the CNS (in which symptoms are those of encephalitis).
	• Without specific antiviral therapy, most infected neonates will die, and survivors will have substantial neurologic sequelae.

The clinical illnesses caused by herpes simplex virus in neonates can be classified into four principal categories: (1) intrauterine, congenital infection, (2) natally or postnatally acquired localized eye, mouth, and skin infection, (3) natally or postnatally acquired disseminated infection, and (4) natally or postnatally acquired localized CNS infection (49).

Intrauterine congenital infections, which can be due to herpes simplex virus 1 or herpes simplex virus 2, result from transplacental transmission of virus from mother to fetus, possibly by infected leukocytes, during the third trimester. Once within the fetal circulation, the virus may become widely disseminated and infect multiple organs. The virus has strong affinity for neural tissue and can cause large regions of cystic necrosis, cavitation, and calcifications. Intrauterine herpes simplex virus infections often impair fetal head growth and general somatic growth; produce cataracts, retinal scars, and blindness; and hepatosplenomegaly (45). Symptoms and signs of intrauterine herpes infection are often present at birth. If active infection of the infant is still present at the time of delivery, progression of CNS symptoms may occur in association with multiorgan, systemic disease.

Although transplacental infection with herpes can cause serious disease, only a small portion of neonatal herpes infections are acquired transplacentally. The great majority are acquired natally or postnatally. The virus may be transmitted to the fetus in utero several hours or days before delivery, presumably through tears in the amniotic membranes. Disseminated infection or encephalitis can subsequently develop and progress.

Postnatal transmission of herpes simplex virus occurs due to direct contact with an individual actively infected with HSV, typically with orolabial or cutaneous sources (23). When the infant is exposed to virus during delivery (most often HSV-2), the onset of clinical manifestations of infection is delayed for 1 to 3 weeks. These infections can be localized, disseminated, or localized to the CNS. Approximately 30% of natally or postnatally infected neonates develop localized vesicular skin or mouth lesions or conjunctivitis. If left untreated, 70% of these localized infections will become disseminated.

Disseminated herpes simplex virus infection accounts for approximately 40% of natally or postnatally acquired herpes simplex virus encephalitis and is characterized by generalized systemic signs and symptoms that usually begin 9 to 11 days after delivery. Ninety percent of patients have skin, eye, or mouth lesions. Primary target organs include the liver, skin, and adrenal gland. The CNS is involved in 50%. Early symptoms include fever, temperature instability, lethargy, decreased feeding, vomiting, respiratory distress, pneumonitis, and jaundice. Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and shock may develop. CNS signs include tense fontanelle, seizures, posturing, and coma. Without early antiviral and supportive therapy, the mortality is 70% to 80% (21).

Localized CNS infection accounts for 30% of cases of neonatal herpes simplex virus 2 infections. Onset of neurologic disease typically occurs 11 to 17 days after delivery. Fever, temperature instability, and tense fontanelle may be noted as initial features followed by the rapid appearance of seizures, posturing, and coma. If no skin lesions are present, there is nothing specific about the neurologic presentation of herpes simplex virus encephalitis that allows it to be distinguished immediately from other catastrophic neonatal neurologic infections and diseases. Without specific antiviral and supportive therapy, 40% to 50% of infected neonates die. Survivors experience a high rate of neurologic sequelae including cognitive impairment, epilepsy, growth deficits, retinopathy, and cystic encephalomalacia (28).

Prognosis and complications

Without antiviral therapy, the mortality for neonatal herpes simplex virus infections is high. For disseminated infections the mortality is 70% to 80%, for encephalitis, 40% to 50%, and for localized skin, mouth, and eye infections, 10%. However, it is important to emphasize that, if localized infections are not treated, more than 50% will disseminate, with subsequently high mortality. Specific antiviral therapy markedly reduces mortality in all clinical forms of infection. For disseminated and CNS disease, antiviral treatment reduces mortality to about one half to one third the rate that occurs when no therapy is given. Mortality almost never occurs when localized skin infections are treated with anti-herpes simplex virus therapy (49).

Although the rate of sequelae is reduced by antiviral therapy, it remains high in cases of disseminated infection and encephalitis. A study showed that, among infants with CNS disease that were treated with high-dose acyclovir, 45% continued to have obvious neurologic deficits at 24 months. Thus, existing antiviral therapy, even when administered early in the disease course and at high doses, cannot eliminate the mortality and morbidity of neonatal disseminated and CNS herpes infections (37).

The sequelae and complications of neonatal herpes infections lead to frequent emergency department visits and hospital readmissions. A study found that the median cost of neonatal herpes infection was in excess of $87,000 per case for the first 6 months (32).

Complications encountered during acute disseminated infection include fluid and electrolyte disturbances, disseminated intravascular coagulation, pneumonitis, respiratory distress, hepatitis, adrenal necrosis, seizures, and coma. Chronic sequelae of disseminated infection and encephalitis include cognitive impairment, cystic brain destruction with secondary blindness and deafness, seizures, spastic quadriparesis, microcephaly, chorioretinopathy, microphthalmia, and impaired somatic growth.

Acyclovir is most commonly used to treat neonatal herpes simplex virus infection. A common complication of high-dose acyclovir treatment is neutropenia. Twenty percent of infants treated with high-dose acyclovir will develop this complication. However, the neutropenia resolves spontaneously in most cases, even without cessation of the medication, and clinically significant adverse outcomes from this neutropenia are rare (28; 19). A second major complication of acyclovir treatment in neonates is nephrotoxicity, which occurs in 17% to 35% of patients. The nephrotoxicity may be due to tubular obstruction secondary to drug crystallization or to a direct tubular toxicity from acyclovir metabolites. Risk of acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity in neonates can be minimized by keeping patients well-hydrated and by diligently monitoring kidney function throughout treatment (18).

Persistence of herpes simplex virus DNA by PCR in CSF after a standard course of high-dose acyclovir therapy for herpes simplex virus encephalitis predicts a worsened outcome (36). Recurrence of herpes simplex virus encephalitis in infants treated with acyclovir in the neonatal period has been reported (34). It is unclear why herpes simplex virus encephalitis recurs in some patients after full courses of acyclovir and the disappearance of the virus by PCR. However, in some cases, recurrence may be due to a genetic predisposition to herpes infections. In particular, several genes have been identified whose mutation interferes with the function of toll-like receptors, components of the immune system that play a key role in the innate immune response to herpes viruses. Some infants who have recurrence of herpes simplex encephalitis may have deficits in one of these genes (16).

In some cases, the persistence of herpes PCR positivity in CSF following a 21-day course of acyclovir is due to an acyclovir-resistant herpes simplex virus strain. Acyclovir-resistant herpes strains are most commonly seen in immunocompromised patients who have been receiving acyclovir over a prolonged period. However, acyclovir-resistant herpes has been reported in neonates as well (24). Acyclovir-resistant herpes may be treated with an alternative antiviral agent, such as ganciclovir or foscarnet. However, the safety and efficacy of these agents for neonates is not fully known (57).

Luckily, the recurrence of disseminated or CNS herpes is uncommon during or following acyclovir suppressive therapy. In contrast, recurrence of herpes skin eruptions is not rare. A study examining herpes recurrence was conducted in 21 infants with neonatal herpes who were treated with three weeks of intravenous acyclovir and followed by up to one year of oral acyclovir (56). The study found that skin recurrences occurred in 33% of the infants while on suppressive therapy, despite reported good adherence to treatment. This susceptibility to recurrence occurred whether the infants had localized, CNS, or disseminated disease. The study further found that skin eruptions occurred in 61% of the infants after stopping suppressive therapy. These skin eruptions occurred in the range of 5 days to 1 year of stopping prophylactic acyclovir. Management of infants with herpes skin eruptions following suppressive acyclovir requires at least another seven days of oral acyclovir. Despite the fact that recurrence of disseminated or CNS herpes is uncommon, it can occur. Thus, these infants must be monitored closely for evidence of systemic or CNS illness, which may require further diagnostic tests and intravenous acyclovir (56).

Following herpes simplex virus encephalitis, some patients develop a secondary encephalitis that is noninfectious and is autoimmune in its etiology. This occurs in 27% of patients, both children and adults, with herpes simplex encephalitis and is associated with development of antineuronal antibodies. It usually presents within two months of the herpes encephalitis (02). Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis is the most common among these. The symptoms of these autoimmune encephalitides include psychosis, movement disorders, seizures, autonomic instability, and coma. However, the symptoms may be age-dependent. One study found that patients under four years of age tend to present with choreoathetosis, whereas those over four years of age tend to present with psychosis (02). These autoimmune encephalitides do not respond to antiviral medications. Instead, they respond to anti-inflammatory measures, including steroids, IVIG, and plasma exchange. Although most cases of postherpes autoimmune encephalitis have been described in juveniles and adults, cases have also occurred in neonates (12). Thus, in neonates with continued signs of encephalitis or relapse of encephalitis following an adequate course of acyclovir, autoimmune encephalitis should be suspected. Suspicion should be especially high in those patients in whom the follow-up PCR for herpes is negative (51).

A rare complication of herpes simplex virus encephalitis in children and adults is bilateral acute retinal necrosis (BARN) syndrome. A case of a premature infant born vaginally at 32+5 weeks gestation, whose brain imaging revealed large areas of necrosis along with enlarged anterior chambers and posterior displacement of the lens was reported (33). This prompted an ophthalmologic exam, which revealed findings consistent with BARN syndrome. The clinical signs of acute retinal necrosis include anterior uveitis, vitritis, retinal necrosis, occlusive vasculopathy with arterial involvement, and optic disc swelling. BARN syndrome is typically caused by HSV-2 in patients who are younger than 25 years of age. This patient was ultimately diagnosed with HSV-2 encephalitis by detection of HSV2 DNA in CSF (33).

Clinical vignette

The patient was a 17-day-old boy who had been in his usual state of good health until the day prior to admission, when he seemed more sleepy than usual. He was seen in the pediatrician’s office, where he was sleepy but arousable and willing to feed. He was afebrile, had a normal CBC, and was sent home with instructions for the parents to call if he developed a fever or any other signs of infection.

The following day, he was lethargic and had a temperature of 100.2° F. He returned to his pediatrician’s office, where he had a seizure, consisting of clonic movements of the right upper extremity.

He was transported by ambulance to the emergency room, where he continued to have right-sided clonic seizures, which were stopped with intravenous lorazepam.

On examination, he was febrile with a temperature of 101.2° F. Other vital signs were normal with blood pressure 100/53, heart rate 136, and respiratory rate 26. He had no respiratory distress. His head was normocephalic and atraumatic. The anterior fontanelle was soft and flat. His heart had a regular rate and rhythm with no murmur. His abdomen was soft and flat. His skin was notable for eczema on the arms and face but otherwise had no rash or lesions. On neurologic examination, he was lethargic but would arouse to tactile stimulation. His movements were asymmetric, as he moved his left arm and leg to a greater extent than the right. His deep tendon reflexes were more pronounced in the right extremities than in the left. He had a Babinski sign on the right but not on the left.

Laboratory studies included a basic metabolic panel, complete blood count, and liver enzyme levels, all of which were normal. CSF examination showed 200 white blood cells per microliter (35% neutrophils, 65% lymphocytes), 17 red blood cells per microliter, protein 74 mg/dL, and glucose 35 mg/dL (peripheral blood glucose was 110 mg/dL).

Congenital herpes simplex virus encephalitis (brain MRI)

The patient was a 17-day-old boy whose symptoms included lethargy, fever, and right-sided clonic seizures. PCR for herpes simplex virus-2 was positive in the CSF and blood. The patient received high-dose parenteral acyclovir for 2...

While still in the emergency department, the infant developed recurrent focal seizures involving the right upper and lower extremities. The seizures were stopped with several doses of lorazepam and a loading dose (20 mg/kg) of phenobarbital. Shortly thereafter, he developed respiratory failure and required intubation. Head CT scan and chest x-ray on the day of admission were normal.

Diagnosed with meningitis or encephalitis, he was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, where he was treated empirically with antibiotics (ceftriaxone and vancomycin) and acyclovir. Herpes simplex virus 2 DNA was detected in CSF and blood. CSF and blood cultures were negative. He was treated with intravenous acyclovir at a dose of 60 mg/kg/day, divided into three times per day dosing, for 21 days. A repeat lumbar puncture on hospital day 18 revealed normal CSF components, and PCR for HSV-2 was negative.

His hospital course was complicated by recurrent focal and generalized seizures. Continuous EEG early in the hospitalization revealed frequent subclinical seizures from the left hemisphere. Some of these were associated with desaturation spells. Control of these seizures was eventually gained on the combination of phenobarbital and levetiracetam.

MRI scan of the brain on the third hospital day was markedly abnormal, as it revealed (1) multiple foci of pial enhancement, (2) increased signal in the T2 and FLAIR sequences in the gyri deep to the regions of pial enhancement, (3) decreased signal in those same regions in the T1 sequences, and (4) multiple foci of diffusion restriction, especially in the left temporal lobe and left parietal lobe.

He remained lethargic during the first week of the hospitalization but gradually became more awake and alert. By the time of discharge on hospital day 22, he had regained a full level of consciousness and had no evident neurologic deficits. He was discharged on levetiracetam and a 6-month course of oral acyclovir.

His post-hospitalization course has been marked by recurrent seizures and global developmental delay. The seizures are focal in onset and consist of clonic activity of the right upper extremity. The seizures, which sometimes secondarily generalize, are moderately well controlled on levetiracetam.

A follow-up MRI scan, obtained at age 8 months, revealed large areas of encephalomalacia in the left hemisphere, corresponding to the regions of abnormal signal on the original MRI scan during the acute phase of the illness.

At a follow-up appointment, at the age of 18 months, he was moderately, but globally, developmentally delayed. He had learned to acquire a seated position and was beginning to crawl. He babbled but uttered no intelligible words.

At the latest follow-up appointment at age five years, he remained globally developmentally delayed. He understood some language and could follow simple commands, but he spoke only single words. He had right-sided hemiparesis involving the upper and lower extremities. He could walk but not run. He continued to have epilepsy that was reasonably well controlled on levetiracetam but still suffered from occasional break-through seizures.

Biological basis

	• Neonatal herpes encephalitis is due to infection of the neonatal brain with herpes simplex virus.
	• Most cases of neonatal herpes encephalitis are due to infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
	• Infants typically acquire the virus from the maternal genital tract during delivery.
	• At the target organs, the virus is taken into cells and travels to the nucleus, where it replicates.
	• Within the host cell, the virus replicates to high numbers and kills the host cell.

Etiology and pathogenesis

Herpes simplex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus 2 are antigenically distinct strains of herpes simplex virus. All herpesviruses are enveloped, double-stranded DNA viruses that replicate within host cell nuclei. In the mid-1960s, laboratory techniques to distinguish herpes simplex virus 1 from herpes simplex virus 2 were developed (41). Results of studies using these techniques showed that 75% of neonatal encephalitis is caused by herpes simplex virus 2 and the remainder by herpes simplex virus 1. Neonatal herpes simplex virus 2 encephalitis is usually a more severe disease than neonatal herpes simplex virus 1 encephalitis, with higher mortality and sequelae rates (10).

Herpes simplex virus infection acquired in utero represents only about 4% of all neonatal herpes simplex virus infections. Virus may be transmitted to the fetus transplacentally, possibly by infected maternal leukocytes, or through tears in the amniotic membrane.

In 86% of cases, infants acquire the virus during vaginal delivery from exposure to an infected, maternal genital tract. Approximately 10% of cases occur as a result of postnatal exposure. In most instances of infection during delivery, virus is probably aspirated into the infant's lung, although scalp and skin lesions provide alternative portals of entry. Initial local replication and uptake of the virus by susceptible leukocytes is followed by cell-associated viremia with secondary infection of and replication within primary target organs such as liver, adrenal gland, skin, mucous membranes, conjunctiva, and brain.

Once herpes simplex virus reaches susceptible target organs, the virus attaches to cell surfaces by specific receptor site binding. The virus is then taken inside the cell and transported to the nucleus, where the virus replicates . Once viral replication begins, normal host cell protein and DNA synthesis are markedly impaired, and cell death ensues.

In disseminated infections, the virus spreads to CNS mostly hematogenously. In contrast, in cases of localized CNS infections, the virus reaches the CNS principally through retrograde axonal transport of virus from peripheral sites.

Hemorrhagic necrosis, intranuclear eosinophilic inclusions, giant cell formation, and lymphocytic infiltrates are characteristic histopathologic features of herpes simplex virus-infected tissue (60).

Epidemiology

	• The most vulnerable infants are those whose mothers have primary or their first episode of genital herpes infection during pregnancy.
	• The risk of neonatal infection is about 50% if the maternal genital lesions are primary, but the risk falls to only 4% to 5% if the maternal lesions are recurrent.
	• The genetic makeup of the infant may also play a role in determining the risk of neonatal herpes infection.

Because herpes is a prevalent pathogen, many pregnant women have been exposed to both herpes simplex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus 2 prior to pregnancy. One study demonstrated that among pregnant women, herpes simplex virus 1 seroprevalence was 59.3% whereas herpes simplex virus 2 seroprevalence was 21.1%. Among pregnant women who have had three sex partners or fewer (which is approximately 40% of all pregnant women), seronegativity for both herpes simplex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus 2 is approximately 51%. Because primary infection during pregnancy confers the greatest risk of transmitting herpes simplex virus to the neonates, it is the offspring of these seronegative women who are most vulnerable to a serious neonatal herpes infection (48).

Estimates of the incidence of neonatal herpes simplex virus encephalitis in the United States range from 0.1 to 0.3 per 1000 live births per year (15; 22). A large-scale study utilizing a combination of physician-reported cases and electronic laboratory reports verified that neonatal herpes infections occur at a rate of approximately 0.3 per 1000 live births (35). Approximately 350 to 1100 cases are reported annually. Over the course of the past decade, the incidence of neonatal herpes infections has risen. This rise is thought to be due to changes in the epidemiology of herpes simplex virus 1 infection and sexual practices. More adolescents are susceptible to herpes simplex virus 1 infection. Furthermore, oral sex practices among adolescents and young adults have increased, which increases the risk of herpes simplex virus 1 genital infection (32).

Neonatal infections are more likely to occur when the maternal genital infection is primary. Recurrent lesions are more likely to be associated with the presence of maternal antibody, which may play a role in limiting viral exposure to the fetus. In addition, anti-herpes simplex virus maternal IgG passively acquired by the fetus from mothers with recurrent herpes may provide partial protection against infection. If asymptomatic shedding occurs during primary infection the risk of neonatal infection is about 30%, but if shedding occurs during recurrent infection the risk drops to 0 to 3% (50). It is important to emphasize that more than 60% of herpes simplex virus-infected neonates acquired their infection from asymptomatically infected mothers.

Prematurity also plays a role in susceptibility to infection (58). Although only 6% to 7% of infants are born prematurely, approximately 40% to 50% of reported neonatal herpes simplex virus infections occur in premature infants. This increased risk imposed by prematurity may result in part from associated events that enhance viral entry such as premature rupture of membranes, placental abnormalities that allow transmission of virus to fetus more easily, trauma to the infant, and invasive mechanical manipulations of the infant (eg, intubation).

There may also be a genetic predisposition to neonatal herpes infections. A family of innate immune receptors, referred to as “toll-like receptors,” constitute a major component of the host’s immune response to herpes simplex virus. In particular, toll-like receptor 3 recognizes double-stranded RNA produced during herpes simplex virus replication and thereupon activates interferon-regulating factor 3 and other interferon-regulating factors that play a crucial role in containing viral replication and survival. Mutation of genes in the toll-like receptor 3 and interferon-regulating factor 3 signaling pathways have been identified in adults and children with herpes simplex encephalitis (38). A study utilizing whole exome sequencing in newborns with herpes simplex virus infections has identified deleterious and potentially deleterious variants in toll-like receptor 3 pathway genes in some of these neonates (11). These results suggest that at least part of the susceptibility to neonatal herpes infections is genetic in origin.

Prevention

	• For women with active herpes lesions in the genital tract, cesarean section markedly reduces the risk of neonatal herpes infection.
	• Prophylactic antiviral therapy is recommended for infants born to a mother with a primary infection detected by PCR or culture, especially those at high risk, such as premature neonates.
	• There is no licensed herpes simplex virus vaccine, but animal research suggests that a herpes simplex virus vaccine administered to mothers could substantially reduce the incidence and severity of neonatal herpes infections.

Identifying women with active herpes lesions and limiting exposure of the infant to infected secretions during delivery is the principal preventive strategy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends institution of acyclovir prophylaxis in women at 36 weeks’ gestation who have active recurrent genital herpes to decrease the risk of vertical transmission. In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics has published guidelines for management of asymptomatic infants born to women with active genital herpes simplex virus lesions (27). Unfortunately, because more than 50% of infected infants are born to asymptomatic women with no observable lesions, this strategy has obvious limitations.

For women with active herpetic lesions in the genital region, cesarean-section markedly reduces the risk of neonatal herpes infection (07); however, disseminated herpes simplex virus can occur in infants delivered by caesarian section even in the absence of prolonged rupture of membranes (29). Many experts believe that if maternal herpes infection occurred in the first trimester, vaginal birth can proceed safely, even in the presence of active lesions (31).

Factors associated with increased risk for the neonate developing herpes simplex virus infection include prematurity, premature rupture of membranes, vaginal delivery, and intubations and other invasive procedures. Maternal risk factors include active genital herpetic lesions, active shedding of virus, primary genital herpes simplex virus infection, history of genital herpes lesions, history of other sexually transmitted diseases, sexual partner with genital herpes, multiple sexual partners, and maternal age less than 21 years (08).

Prophylactic antiviral therapy is recommended for infants at high risk, such as premature neonates who were born to mothers with a primary genital herpes infection. In these cases, prophylactic therapy is recommended even if the infants are asymptomatic. If mothers have recurrent genital lesions or have a positive PCR test from a genital swab during reactivation, specimens from infants are tested for herpes by culture, polymerase chain reaction, or direct immunofluorescence assays, and the infants are observed for any evidence of clinical disease. Specimens are usually obtained from the nasopharynx, mouth, conjunctivae, anus, and any suspicious skin lesion. If the testing results are positive or if clinical signs develop, antiviral therapy is begun.

At present, there are no licensed herpes simplex virus vaccines. However, multiple lines of evidence suggest that maternal immunization with a herpes simplex virus vaccine could protect neonates against herpes simplex virus infection. In humans, herpes simplex virus–specific neutralizing antibodies are present in newborns of immune mothers. This likely explains why neonatal herpes infections are much more common and severe following a primary maternal infection (where maternal antibodies would not exist) than in a subsequent infection (where maternal antibodies would exist). This further indicates that placentally transferred anti–herpes simplex virus antibodies are protective. Furthermore, experimental vaccines utilizing herpes simplex virus antigens and mRNA are protective in mouse models of neonatal herpes simplex virus infections. These experimental vaccines, administered to female mice prior to breeding, led to the transfer of herpes simplex virus–specific antibodies into neonatal circulation and protected the neonates against infection, behavioral abnormalities, and death from herpes simplex virus. Furthermore, administration of anti-herpes monoclonal antibodies to mouse dams or pups reduces viral load in the mouse pups and protects them against HSV-induced morbidity and mortality. Thus, maternal immunization against herpes simplex virus may be an effective means of preventing human neonatal herpes infections in the future (46; 47; 30; 05).

Diagnostic workup

	• For infants with suspected neonatal herpes encephalitis, a lumbar puncture should be performed. The molecular technique of PCR, which detects the viral nucleic acids, is the diagnostic test of choice.
	• CSF obtained from infants with neonatal herpes encephalitis often has a pleocytosis with polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphocytes, hundreds to thousands of red cells, an elevated protein concentration, and a depressed glucose concentration.
	• Neuroimaging studies (CT and MRI of brain) often demonstrate patchy, multifocal areas consistent with necrosis, edema, and hemorrhage.
	• EEGs are usually abnormal in neonates with herpes simplex virus encephalitis and show multifocal periodic sharp-waves and slowing.
	• Visible skin lesions should be scraped, and the collected cells should be tested for herpes by PCR.

The possibility of herpes simplex virus infection needs to be considered in any neonate (newborn up to four weeks of age) with a sepsis-like presentation.

Results of general laboratory tests of blood and urine may be abnormal, but these results are nondiagnostic. Elevated peripheral white blood cell counts, elevated sedimentation rates, hypernatremia and hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, increased serum concentrations of hepatocellular enzymes, and abnormal coagulation test results all attest to the multisystemic nature of the infection and its complications.

CSF obtained from neonates with CNS herpes simplex virus infection contains dozens to hundreds of white cells, both polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphocytes, and often hundreds to thousands of red cells. The concentration of protein in CSF may exceed 500 mg/dl, and the glucose concentration may be markedly depressed. Virus can occasionally be cultured from CSF, though the standard diagnostic test is PCR (54; 60).

Cranial computerized axial tomographic and magnetic resonance scans demonstrate patchy, multifocal areas consistent with necrosis, edema, or both, and these areas often appear hemorrhagic during acute illness. Later, widespread cystic encephalomalacia may be seen (06).

In children beyond the neonatal age and in adults, neuroimaging in herpes simplex encephalitis typically reveals lesions in the inferior frontal and mesial temporal cortex. This characteristic distribution often aids in the diagnosis. In contrast, for neonates with herpes simplex encephalitis, the distribution of brain lesions varies and can involve the cortex, thalamus, basal ganglia, white matter, cerebellum, and brainstem. This varied and nonspecific distribution of lesions can further delay the diagnosis in neonates. However, a study suggests that the distribution of lesions may not be as varied as previously assumed. In particular, lesions in neonatal herpes encephalitis most commonly involved three regions: (1) the inferior frontal and polar temporal area, (2) border zone regions between the anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries, and (3) the corticospinal tract area. Whether these patterns of involvement can aid in diagnosis or have different clinical outcomes remains unknown (25).

EEGs are almost always abnormal in neonates with herpes simplex virus encephalitis (39). Rhythmic, periodic slowing and multifocal periodic sharp-wave activity are highly characteristic of herpes simplex virus. However, these patterns are not pathognomonic and may be seen with other CNS infections and severe noninfectious encephalopathies.

Serologic tests are of little help diagnostically. Most serologic tests cannot differentiate between herpes simplex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus 2, cannot distinguish maternal from infant antibody, and require up to 2 weeks to confirm infection. Rapid serologic tests that detect IgM-specific anti-herpes simplex virus antibodies may help with early decisions regarding therapy of asymptomatic, high-risk neonates, but they do not eliminate the need to confirm infection (49).

The laboratory diagnosis of neonatal herpes infection can be established in any of three ways: (1) virologically by isolating the virus in traditional viral culture; (2) molecularly by detecting viral DNA using polymerase chain reaction assays; or (3) immunologically by detecting viral antigens using rapid direct immunofluorescence assays (03). Among these techniques, the molecular approach with PCR is the most rapid and sensitive. For infants at risk for herpes simplex virus infection, samples should be obtained from swabs of oropharynx and conjunctiva, fluid from skin vesicles, CSF, blood buffy coat, and urine and should be tested by PCR. Viral culture, especially from CSF, has a poor yield, likely due to neutralization by anti-herpes simplex virus IgG antibodies (14). Brain biopsies are rarely required to diagnose neonatal herpes simplex virus encephalitis, but the virus can be recovered from fresh brain tissue obtained by biopsy or from autopsy.

Any visible skin lesion should be scraped and the scrapings tested by PCR. The scraped cells can also be stained for inclusion bodies. Unfortunately, histologic and immunocytochemical stains have a false-negative rate of about 30% and, therefore, cannot be relied on exclusively for confirmation of infection.

For patients with suspected CNS infection with herpes, the molecular technique (polymerase chain reaction) to detect the viral nucleic acids in CSF has become the diagnostic test of choice. Polymerase chain reaction of CSF samples for herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 is a reliable test with a high sensitivity and specificity (03). In addition, the polymerase chain reaction technique can be performed rapidly – within 1 to 2 hours – as compared to viral culture and antigen detection tests, which take longer and may take days (40). There are some important limitations to the use and interpretation of polymerase chain reaction for herpes, however. Most importantly, although the polymerase chain reaction test is quite sensitive, a negative result does not exclude neonatal herpes. This may be due to sole localization of virus within brain parenchyma or to early sample collection time in the course of the disease, before virus reaches lumbar CSF. For this reason, if there is a high suspicion of CNS herpes, then collection of multiple CSF samples is necessary (40).

Management

	• Whenever neonatal herpes encephalitis is suspected, specific anti-herpes simplex virus drug therapy should be instituted as soon as possible to lower the risk of morbidity and mortality.
	• Acyclovir is the drug of choice for herpes simplex virus.
	• Acyclovir is given intravenously at a dose of 20 mg/kg every 8 hours (60 mg/kg per day) for at least 21 days for neonatal herpes simplex virus encephalitis and disseminated herpes simplex virus disease.
	• Patients’ white blood cell counts should be monitored throughout treatment, as acyclovir can cause significant neutropenia.
	• After 21 days of treatment with intravenous acyclovir, repeat CSF polymerase chain reaction for herpes simplex virus should be performed, and antiviral therapy should be continued for at least one more week, if still positive.
	• After intravenous treatment with acyclovir is completed, infants should receive oral acyclovir (300 mg/m² per dose) three times daily for 6 months.

The possibility of herpes simplex virus infection must be considered in any neonate with signs or symptoms of sepsis. Specific anti–herpes simplex virus drug therapy instituted as early as possible, without waiting for confirmatory test results, is essential to prevent death and to minimize sequelae. The first drug proven to be effective for neonatal herpes simplex virus infections was vidarabine (adenine arabinoside [ARA-A]) (09). Vidarabine is given at a dose of 10 to 20 mg/kg per day as a 12-hour intravenous infusion.

Subsequent studies showed acyclovir to be equally effective at lowering mortality and improving outcome of survivors (61; 04). Acyclovir is now the drug of choice for herpes simplex virus encephalitis because it is more convenient to administer and more soluble in intravenous fluids and requires smaller volumes of fluid to administer than vidarabine (19).

Acyclovir should be started empirically in infants with suspected infection as delayed treatment of neonates with herpes virus infection is associated with increased risk of death (52). Acyclovir is given intravenously at a dose of 20 mg/kg every 8 hours (60 mg/kg per day), and treatment is continued for at least 21 days for neonatal herpes simplex virus encephalitis and disseminated herpes simplex virus disease (21; 01). Patients’ white blood cell counts should be monitored throughout treatment as acyclovir can cause significant neutropenia. Proper hydration should be maintained to minimize the risk of nephrotoxicity that can occur if the neonate gets dehydrated or if crystallization occurs in the renal tubules (53). Repeat CSF polymerase chain reaction for herpes simplex virus should be performed at the end of treatment, and antiviral therapy should be continued for at least one more week if still positive (26).

Trifluridine (1%) ophthalmic solution (one drop every 2 hours while awake, for eight or nine doses daily) is used to treat herpes simplex keratoconjunctivitis. Patients with ocular involvement of their herpes infections should be referred to an ophthalmologist (59).

Emerging research suggests the potential use of a grape pomace polyphenol-based nutraceutical formulation called Taurisolo as a topical agent for preventing and healing herpes lesions. In studies, Taurisolo was found to block herpetic infection through direct nonspecific interactions with viral surface components, suggesting that the agent may act on the viral envelope (62).

Because many patients have multiorgan systemic illness, aggressive supportive treatment of shock, coagulation disorders, and respiratory distress is of paramount importance. Secondary bacterial infections require parenteral antibiotic therapy. Antiepileptic medication for acute seizures, as well as for postencephalitic epilepsy, may be required.

Following completion of high-dose intravenous acyclovir, infants should receive oral acyclovir (300 mg/meter square per dose) three times daily for 6 months. The dose should be adjusted each month to account for growth. This “suppressive” acyclovir therapy improves neurodevelopmental outcome and reduces, but does not eliminate, cutaneous recurrences (55; 28).

Infected infants should be isolated from other infants in the nursery, and caregivers must observe strict handwashing precautions to prevent spread of herpes simplex virus to other susceptible infants.

References

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Contributors

All contributors' financial relationships have been reviewed and mitigated to ensure that this and every other article is free from commercial bias.

Authors

Daniel J Bonthius MD PhD

Dr. Bonthius of Atrium Health/Levine Children's Hospital has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
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Victoria Hayes Aguilar MD

Dr. Aguilar of Levine Children's Hospital has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
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Editor

Christina M Marra MD

Dr. Marra of the University of Washington School of Medicine has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
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Former Authors

Alan R Seay MD
Nancy E Bonthius PharmD
Natalie T Bonthius
Daniel Bonthius Jr BS

Patient Profile

Age range of presentation: 0 month to 65+ years
Sex preponderance: male=female
Heredity: none
Population groups selectively affected: none selectively affected
Occupation groups selectively affected: none selectively affected

ICD & OMIM codes

ICD-9: Herpes encephalitis: 054.3

Other congenital infections specific to the perinatal period: 771.2
ICD-10: Herpesviral encephalitis: B00.4

Other specified congenital infectious and parasitic diseases: P37.8

Encephalitis, myelitis and encephalomyelitis in viral diseases classified elsewhere: G05.1

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Neonatal herpes encephalitis

Differential Diagnosis

neonatal infections
systemic illnesses
CNS diseases
bacterial sepsis
bacterial meningitis
- congenital cytomegalovirus
- neonatal cytomegalovirus
- congenital rubella
- neonatal rubella
- respiratory distress syndrome
- intraventricular hemorrhage
- hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

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Introduction

Overview

Key points

Historical note and terminology

Clinical manifestations

Presentation and course

Prognosis and complications

Clinical vignette

Biological basis

Etiology and pathogenesis

Epidemiology

Prevention

Differential diagnosis

Diagnostic workup

Management

Special considerations

Pregnancy

Media

References

Contributors

Authors

Editor

Former Authors

Patient Profile

ICD & OMIM codes

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Also in This Category

Prion diseases

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