Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift für Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete
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Primary infections with herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) may lead to severe illness in pregnancy. Both diseases may be associated with transplacental virus transmission and fetal infection. Such infections can lead to intrauterine death, severe malformations and premature birth; the fetal/congenital varicella syndrome is well-defined. ⋯ Suppression of recurrent genital herpes during the last weeks of pregnancy with valacyclovir and acyclovir reduces the need for surgical intervention. Neonates exposed to VZV should receive specific immunoglobulin. If neonates show signs of either infection, immediate treatment with acyclovir must be initiated.