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Case Reports
. 2018 Jan;8(1):e33-e36.
doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1635100. Epub 2018 Feb 27.

Intrauterine Herpes Simplex Virus Infection Presenting as a Zosteriform Eruption in a Newborn

Caitlin M Drumm  1 , Maura C Caufield  2   3 , Cynthia M DeKlotz  2   3 , Helena B Pasieka  2   3 , Kabir M Abubakar  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Intrauterine Herpes Simplex Virus Infection Presenting as a Zosteriform Eruption in a Newborn

Caitlin M Drumm et al. AJP Rep. 2018 Jan.

Abstract

There is significant morbidity and mortality associated with the transmission of herpes simplex virus (HSV) from pregnant women to their fetus or newborn. Although most commonly transmitted in the peripartum period, in rare cases HSV can lead to intrauterine infection. Cutaneous lesions are the most common manifestation of intrauterine HSV, and have a wide spectrum of presentation. We present a rare case of intrauterine HSV-2 infection presenting with a zosteriform eruption mimicking congenital varicella syndrome in a newborn.

Keywords: TORCH; infection—viral; neonatal; rash.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest None.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Zosteriform rash in the T1 to T3 dermatomal distribution present at birth.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Cicatricial plaque over the right upper back.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Healing lesion.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Vesicopustules present following discontinuation of IV acyclovir.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Vesiculation, epidermal edema and inflammatory infiltrate present on hematoxylin and eosin, low power.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Keratinocytes with multinucleation and classic viral cytopathic change on hematoxylin and eosin, high power.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Immunostaining positive for herpes simplex virus 2.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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