ACYCLOVIR FOR DISSEMINATED HERPES-SIMPLEX VIRUS IN PREGNANCY - A CASE-REPORT

Seventeen cases of disseminated herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection h ave occurred during pregnancy. Acyclovir therapy was associated with p rolongation of the time from admission until spontaneous rupture of th e membranes or delivery and an improved maternal outcome. This life-th reatening condition has a typical presentation, which includes a nonsp ecific viral prodrome. During pregnancy, fever and anicteric hepatitis unresponsive to empiric antibiotics should prompt an evaluation for d isseminated herpes simplex. Pharyngitis or skin lesions with a positiv e herpes simplex culture are common, specific signs associated with di ssemination. The fever resolves within 48 hours in response to acyclov ir therapy. One case of maternal disseminated HSV occurred at 22 weeks ' gestation and resolved with acyclovir therapy; a healthy neonate was delivered vaginally at term.