Introduction
Herpes is an infectious disease that manifests itself by infecting the skin and mucous membranes with the so-called Herpes Simplex virus. For adults, a herpes infection is harmless in most cases. Since the immune system of newborns is usually not yet sufficiently developed to fight the virus effectively and to prevent the spread of the pathogen, serious courses can develop which, in the worst case, can also end fatally.
Especially in the first 4-8 weeks after birth, a herpes infection can become very dangerous. The herpes infection is triggered by the herpes simplex virus, which is divided into two types. Type 1 preferentially affects the skin and mucous membranes in the facial area and occurs mainly in adults and adolescents (lip herpes). Type 2 causes mainly genital herpes and is mostly responsible for diseases of the fetus and newborn babies. These groups of viruses have the peculiarity that after infection and subsequent control by the immune system they can remain in the body and cause disease.
Is herpes dangerous for babies?
The general infection of a baby with herpes viruses is not extremely dangerous. However, complications are more common in newborns than in adults. The complications of herpes virus infection can be very dangerous for babies.
If the herpes infection spreads through the bloodstream, blood poisoning (herpes sepsis) may develop. In addition, the viruses can infect internal organs such as the lungs, liver and kidneys via the bloodstream. Brain involvement is particularly severe.
The inflammation of the cerebral membranes can lead to seizures, vomiting and respiratory failure. As a result, damage to mental development can occur. If small babies already have other skin diseases, such as an inflammatory neonatal eczema, an infection with the herpes virus can lead to a so-called eczema herpeticatum.
The virus particles can penetrate the previously damaged skin more quickly and blisters form. If the mother is infected for the first time during pregnancy and the bloodstream is infected with the virus, the child can be infected via the placenta while still in the womb. This can lead to disturbances in the child’s development as well as to miscarriages and developmental defects.
Herpes encephalitis is a very serious complication, which can occur especially in the case of herpes infection of newborns. The virus spreads to the brain and leads to a very life-threatening inflammation. The first signs are initially unspecific and are described as flu-like.
After this phase, which is accompanied by a slight fever, there is suddenly a rapid rise in body temperature, which is accompanied by confusion and disturbance of consciousness in the child. If no treatment follows, a coma may occur. Herpes encephalitis is considered an absolute emergency in medicine.
As soon as there is a suspicion of this disease, an antiviral therapy is initiated immediately. Only then does a reliable diagnosis with MRI and a lumbar puncture follow. In addition, antibiotics are often given until a bacterial cause can be ruled out. If no signs of encephalitis are found, the therapy can be stopped immediately.
