When a mother had a herpes infection, such as from herpes simplex virus type 2 or genital herpes, she risks passing it onto her child if she becomes pregnant. While the most common type of mother-to-child herpes is birth-acquired herpes, which the child gets when passing through the birth canal, MedlinePlus points out that some babies may contract herpes while still in the uterus. Though rare, intrauterine herpes, or fetal herpes, can cause serious problems in the baby. S. Baldwin and R.J. Whitley, authors of the article “Intrauterine Herpes Simplex Virus Infection,” note that symptoms of intrauterine herpes show within 48 hours of birth.
Chorioretinitis
Babies affected by intrauterine herpes can have chorioretinitis, a type of eye disease. When an infant has chorioretinitis, she has inflammation of the retina's lining, called the choroid. Infants with chorioretinitis can have vision problems. For example, the New York University Langone Medical Center explains that patients can have blurred vision. Chorioretinitis also causes eye pain and redness in the eye. Other symptoms include excessive tearing and sensitivity to light.
Hydranencephaly
Baldwin and Whitley point out that fetal herpes can cause hydraencephaly, a rare form of brain damage. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains that patients with hydranencephaly do not have the cerebral hemispheres, the two halves of the brain. Instead, patients have a sac that contains cerebrospinal fluid, which normally surrounds the brain. While children with hydranencephaly seem normal at first, they start having noticeable changes in behavior and physical appearance. For example, infants can become irritable and have increased muscle tone. After a few months, patients can develop hydrocephalus, which is a build up of cerebrospinal fluid. Patients may also start having seizures, which can cause a temporary loss of consciousness. Hydranencephaly can cause other serious symptoms, such as paralysis, lack of growth and learning disorders. Other symptoms affect the senses, which include blindness, deafness and visual impairment.
Skin Problems
MedlinePlus notes that babies with intrauterine herpes can have skin lesions. Both herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex type 2 cause sores, either on the mouth or the genitals. Patients with fetal herpes can develop small blisters, which can occur in one location of the body or all over the body. These blisters, which are fluid-filled, rupture and crust over. When they heal, the blisters leave scars on patients' skin.
References
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Birth-Acquired Herpes
- “Teratology”; Intrauterine Herpes Simplex Virus Infection; S. Baldwin and R.J. Whitley; January 1989
- New York University Langone Medical Center: Chorioretinitis
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Hydranencephaly Information Page
