Congenital herpes simplex virus infection: Two unique cutaneous presentations associated with probable intrauterine transmission

• Published in: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Vol. 60; no. 2; pp. 312 - 315
• Main Authors: Koch, Laine H., MD, Fisher, Randall G., MD, Chen, Catherine, MD, Foster, Maura M., MD, Bass, W. Thomas, MD, Williams, Judith V., MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Mosby, Inc 01.02.2009; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Biopsy; Dermatology; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Herpes Simplex - congenital; Herpes Simplex - pathology; Herpes Simplex - transmission; Human viral diseases; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Infectious diseases; Male; Medical sciences; Necrosis; Skin - pathology; Viral diseases; Viral diseases with cutaneous or mucosal lesions and viral diseases of the eye; Infection; Association; Congenital; Uterus; Dermatology; Viral disease; Transmission; Herpes; Skin
• ISSN: 0190-9622; 1097-6787
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2008.08.038

Cutaneous manifestations of congenital herpes simplex virus (HSV) have been classically described as grouped vesicles on an erythematous base. We report two cases of HSV infection wherein both infants presented at birth with widespread erosions and an absence of vesicles or vesicopustules. The presence of skin lesions at birth, neurologic changes seen on radiographic imaging, and a cesarean section delivery in one case suggests intrauterine transmission in both neonates.