Ocular Involvement in Neonatal Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

Abstract

Two cases of herpesvirus hominis (HVH) infection in premature infants are reported and a review of the literature demonstrating the ocular spectrum of involvement in the newborn is presented. Both infants had skin vesicles, unilateral keratitis, and bilateral chorioretinitis. In one case there was no evidence of central nervous system involvement, and the infant is living and well with significant visual impairment. The second infant, who developed encephalitis, died at 6 months of age. Theories as to pathways of dissemination of the virus to involve the retina are discussed, and the need for complete ocular examination in newborns with HVH infection is stressed.