PRENATAL-DIAGNOSIS OF FETAL HERPES-SIMPLEX INFECTION

Background: Intrauterine infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV) has been associated with a significant number of neonatal HSV infections. When these infections begin in utero, the associated morbidity is mor e severe, and treatment regimens may be less effective, Case: A 24-yea r-old nullipara with an abnormal triple screen and multiple ultrasound abnormalities at 19 weeks' gestation underwent amniocentesis and cord ocentesis. Laboratory results were consistent with HSV infection, The patient elected to terminate the pregnancy, and on postmortem examinat ion of the fetus, evidence of disseminated disease was present. Conclu sion: We believe that this case documents a relationship between HSV i nfection and findings on ultrasound that have previously been describe d in association with other in utero infections. We suggest that gener al viral cultures of the amniotic fluid be done when in utero infectio n is suspected.