In utero herpes simplex infection

Last revised by Derek Smith on 13 Sep 2021

In utero herpes simplex infection usually occurs from transplacental transmission of the herpes simplex virus. Transplacental intrauterine infection with herpes simplex virus is an extremely rare complication of primary herpes simplex in pregnancy.

Epidemiology

Fetal HSV infection much less common than neonatal HSV infection. The estimated incidence is at ~1 in 200,000 deliveries 3.

Complications

Overwhelming fetal sepsis might result in multi-organ failure, including fetal brain death.

See also

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