Unilateral keratitis following death of a twin as the presenting sign of herpetic infection in a neonate

Abstract

Neonatal herpes simplex virus (HSV) manifests as a disease limited to skin, eyes, and/or mucous membranes, central nervous system disease with/without skin involvement, or disseminated infection. Given the high morbidity and mortality of untreated neonatal HSV, early recognition and prompt treatment are important. We report two cases of unilateral HSV keratitis, after Cesarean section, in neonates whose twin had died. Both mothers denied history of HSV. Ophthalmic diagnosis led to full systemic workup and appropriate treatment.