What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Congenital Herpes
• Herpes and Pregnancy
• Herpes during Pregnancy 

What is Birth-Acquired Herpes? (Definition/Background Information)

• Birth-Acquired Herpes is a viral infection that is acquired by an infant from the mother during pregnancy or after birth. The infection is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV)
• If the mother is affected by genital herpes during the last trimester of her pregnancy, it is most likely that she will transmit the infection to the newborn during a vaginal birth
• The newborns can get infected in the following manner:
  • The herpes virus can be passed on from the mother to the developing baby in the womb. This is called Congenital Herpes
  • If the transmission occurs while the baby passes through the birth canal, it is termed as Birth-Acquired Herpes (the most common route of infection)         
  • Herpes infection acquired by the baby after birth is called Postpartum Herpes. This may be acquired when the baby comes in contact with an infected individual (mother) with herpes sores on the skin and/or mouth
• The most common symptom of a herpes virus infection is the appearance of fluid-filled blisters on the skin. A diagnosis is generally made by examining these blisters
• Birth-Acquired Herpes complications may include dissemination of the infection to the brain and other body organs that may be very dangerous
• Birth-Acquired Herpes is treated with antiviral medications. Active viral infection can be efficiently treated with antiviral medications, but the HSV can never be eliminated from the body

The various types of herpes virus infection include:

• Type 1 herpes infection or oral herpes
• Type 2 herpes infection or genital herpes 

Who gets Birth-Acquired Herpes? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Newborns and infants are generally affected by Birth-Acquired Herpes
• Both boys and girls can be affected
• No racial, regional, or ethnic predominance is seen 

What are the Risk Factors for Birth-Acquired Herpes? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors of Birth-Acquired Herpes may include:

• An expectant mother infected by genital herpes during the last trimester (weeks 29 to 40) of the pregnancy is the main risk factor for the condition
• The newborn child coming in contact with individuals (even the child’s mother) actively infected with the herpes virus

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider. 

What are the Causes of Birth-Acquired Herpes? (Etiology)

Birth-Acquired Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV).

• Women with an active herpes infection are most likely to transmit the infection to their babies during a vaginal birth, when the infant comes in contact with the herpes virus in the birth canal
• Mothers, who have herpes that may not be active during delivery time, also have a chance of transmitting the disease to the infant; although this kind of occurrence is very rare
• Contact with cold sores can also trigger the infection in an infant. The virus causing cold sores stays in and around the mouth and lips of the infected individual which can easily spread to others through personal physical contact

Thus the newborn infants can get infected in the following manner:

• In the uterus, which is known as Congenital Herpes
• While passing through the birth canal, when it is known as Birth-Acquired Herpes
• After birth, known as postpartum herpes, which may be acquired when the baby comes in contact with an infected individual

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Birth-Acquired Herpes?

The signs and symptoms of Birth-Acquired Herpes are present either at birth or develop within the first few weeks of the infant’s life and may include the following:

• Skin infection: Fluid-filled sores and blisters that appear on the torso and around the eyes
• Loss of energy or being lethargic
• Feeding issues

If the herpes infection has spread to the brain and other parts of the body, the infant may remain very ill and present the following signs and symptoms:

• Easy bleeding
• Breathing difficulties, increased respiratory rate
• Flaring of the nostrils
• Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of skin)
• Jaundice
• Poor feeding
• Seizures
• Lethargy
• Hypothermia (low body temperature)
• Coma 

How is Birth-Acquired Herpes Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Birth-Acquired Herpes may include the following tests and procedures:

• Complete evaluation of medical history along with a thorough physical examination
• In most cases, the characteristic appearance of blisters and maternal history of genital herpes are sufficient to make the diagnosis of Birth-Acquired Herpes
• Blister samples may be tested in the lab to confirm that the disease is caused by herpes virus
• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis (fluid present around the brain and spinal cord) can be tested in cases of herpes dissemination to the brain
• Magnetic resonance imaging test (MRI) scan of the head may be performed to check for brain inflammation

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Birth-Acquired Herpes?

Birth-Acquired Herpes, when left untreated, can lead to complications such as:

• Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain
• Disseminated herpes infection has a greater chance of occurrence and this can lead to damage to the following vital organs, which may include:
  • Lungs, causing breathing difficulties and interruption in breathing
  • Kidneys
  • Liver, resulting in jaundice
  • Eye-related conditions such as inflammation and blindness
  • Central nervous system conditions such as seizures
  • Learning disabilities
  • Shock, hypothermia, and even coma

Complications due to Congenital Herpes are more serious than Birth-Acquired Herpes in general. The condition can also result in death, in some cases.

How is Birth-Acquired Herpes Treated?

The treatment measures for Birth-Acquired Herpes may include:

• Antiviral medicines that may be administered through the veins: Acyclovir is the most common and general antiviral medicine used to treat Birth-Acquired Herpes. The drug is given over a period of few weeks to treat the infection
• Other medications to control seizures and shock may also be given

How can Birth-Acquired Herpes be Prevented?

The preventive measures to be adopted to prevent the occurrence of Birth-Acquired Herpes may include:

• A pregnant mother diagnosed with herpes infection can opt for a Caesarean-section (C-section) delivery, since a vaginal birth will involve the risk of exposure to herpes
• Practicing safe sex by using condoms, which can help prevent transmission of the disease
• Individuals, who are aware that they have been infected, should follow safety measures to ensure that he/she does not transmit the disease to others

What is the Prognosis of Birth-Acquired Herpes? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Birth-Acquired Herpes by herpes virus can be treated efficiently, but the virus cannot be completely eliminated from the body. The virus stays in the body forever, in the dormant state, and may re-infect if one’s natural body immunity is suppressed or weakened due to various health conditions
• Management of the symptoms as and when it recurs is a major hurdle faced by children with Birth-Acquired Herpes. Recurrence of the infection with complications can take place often
• Birth-Acquired Herpes can become a serious and life-threatening disease, when it leads to complications such as encephalitis

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Birth-Acquired Herpes:

Birth-Acquired Herpes occurs approximately in 30 out of every 100,000 live births.