Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia (Apr 2016)

Cutaneous neonatal herpes simplex virus infection type 2: a case report

  • Maraya de Jesus Semblano Bittencourt,
  • Lívia Karlla Marinho Freitas,
  • Marion Guimarães Drago,
  • Alessandra Haber Carvalho,
  • Bianca Angelina Macêdo do Nascimento

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20163870
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 91, no. 2
pp. 216 – 218

Abstract

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Abstract Neonatal herpes is a serious condition. Newborns can be contaminated in utero via transplacental hematogenic transmission, upon delivery (the most frequent route), or during the postnatal period (indirect transmission). Optimal management requires prompt and accurate recognition, particularly in newborns, in order to prevent complications. Acyclovir is the treatment of choice, but its implementation is often delayed while awaiting test results, such as PCR and serology. Cytology for diagnostic purposes is rarely used in dermatology, despite the quick and reliable results. We report a case of neonatal herpes caused by type 2 herpes simplex virus diagnosed by cytology.

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