Herpes simplex viral infections in pregnancy

Abstract

The herpes simplex viruses (HSV) are responsible for acute infections of the cutaneous system. Infection presents as groups of vesicles with basal erythema. The genome of the HSV consists of linear, double-stranded DNA. Most infections are relatively mild, but occasionally HSV may produce a severe illness with the potential to harm a pregnancy. The majority of HSV infections exhibit the feature of multiple recurrences, usually at the same location each time. The most frequent manifestation is herpes labialis secondary to HSV-1 (herpes simplex type 1). Herpetic infections of the genitals are generally secondary to HSV-2. It is possible for herpes to cause other forms of illness, but this rarely occurs [1].