Viremia in neonatal herpes simplex virus infections

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1999 Jun;18(6):487-9. doi: 10.1097/00006454-199906000-00002.

Abstract

Background: Polymerase chain reaction assays of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and plasma may facilitate the diagnosis of neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Methods: Assays for HSV DNA were submitted from at least 1 specimen site (PBMC, plasma or cerebrospinal fluid) in 11 consecutive cases of neonatal HSV infection.

Results: HSV DNA was detected by PCR in the PBMC of 6 of 10 infants tested (60%), the plasma of 4 of 6 tested (67%) and the cerebrospinal fluid of 4 of 11 tested (36%).

Conclusions: HSV viremia is more frequent than previously appreciated, and detection of HSV DNA in PBMC and plasma is a useful diagnostic tool, particularly in infants without skin lesions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • DNA, Viral / blood
  • Herpes Simplex / blood
  • Herpes Simplex / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Simplexvirus / isolation & purification*
  • Viremia / diagnosis*

Substances

  • DNA, Viral