Herpesviridae infections in newborns: varicella zoster virus, herpes simplex virus, and cytomegalovirus

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2004 Aug;51(4):889-908, viii. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2004.03.005.

Abstract

Varicella zoster virus (VZV), herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) are all members of the Herpesviridae family.Humans are the only source of infection for these double stranded DNA viruses. Infants may acquire these infections in utero, peripartum, or postnatally, resulting in a variety of clinical syndromes, ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe infection,with high mortality rates and significant long-term morbidity. This article presents the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, treatment,and prevention strategies for VZV, HSV, and CMV infections in infants.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chickenpox* / diagnosis
  • Chickenpox* / drug therapy
  • Chickenpox* / epidemiology
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections* / complications
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections* / diagnosis
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections* / drug therapy
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Herpes Simplex* / diagnosis
  • Herpes Simplex* / drug therapy
  • Herpes Simplex* / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / prevention & control
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious
  • Syndrome

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents