Caesarian Deliveries May Minimize Chances Of Transmission Of Genital Herpes From Mother To Infant

Caesarian section deliveries prevent the transmission of HSV (herpes simplex virus) from mother to infant.

HSV or herpes simplex virus is a severe problem for those babies who are exposed to it. Therefore, reducing the chances of acquiring HSV in the final trimester of pregnancy is the best way to prevent transmission of the disease to infants. It is important to develop a strategy to reduce transmission of HSV from mother to child at birth.

Herpes simplex is a viral disease caused by the Herpes simplex virus. Both herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) cause herpes simplex. Infection with the herpes virus is categorized into one of several distinct disorders based on the site of infection. Oral herpes, the visible symptoms of which are colloquially called cold sores, infects the face and mouth. Oral herpes is the most common form of infection. Infection of the genitals, commonly known as herpes, is the second most common form of herpes.

Antibody testing to detect HSV for both the mother and any partner should be used more frequently in early pregnancy. Additionally, women should be counseled against unprotected sex in the final three months of pregnancy, particularly if their partners test positive for HSV. HSV-2 is commonly known as genital herpes. HSV-1 is associated with cold sores.

A woman who experiences a first outbreak of genital herpes during the third trimester and who has not developed antibodies to the virus by the onset of labor has a 33 percent chance of transmitting the virus to her infant. On the other hand, a woman who experiences a recurrent outbreak of genital herpes, because she already has antibodies to the herpes virus and has passed them to her unborn child, has a 3 percent chance of transmitting the virus to her infant.

Many women have been exposed to the herpes simplex virus and have developed antibodies to the virus, but may not have had an outbreak of genital herpes. During pregnancy, the immune system becomes less effective and these women may have a first outbreak. This type of outbreak carries the same risk as a recurrent infection for the infant -- less risk of neonatal disease than with a primary infection. About 80 percent of women who are infected with the herpes simplex virus will have a recurrence during their pregnancy. Pregnant women previously infected with herpes will have an average of 3 recurrences during pregnancy.

In infants who are known to have a herpes simplex virus infection, only less than one third have mothers who had ever had a herpes rash or a sexual partner with a herpes rash. Many neonatal infections occur because of viral shedding from the cervix without evidence of a rash, usually after a primary infection.

For every 10 neonatal herpes infections, 6 to 7 are acquired because the mother acquires an asymptomatic first outbreak. The transmission rate of HSV is highly influenced by how delivery is managed. That includes recognition of lesions, taking appropriate steps to prevent infant exposure and maintaining the infant's skin integrity during labor, such as avoiding the use of fetal scalp electrodes.

Active lesions should be considered a condition requiring Caesarian section.

Transmission of the herpes simplex virus to a newborn (neonate) can have devastating effects. The extent of the herpes simplex infection can range from a rash on the skin, to involvement of the eyes and mouth, to infection of the brain, to infection throughout the body.

The herpes simplex type determines the risk to the infant. A primary or recurrent HSV-1 infection during labor is more easily transmitted to the infant but the disease is limited to the mouth, eyes, and mucous membranes. Primary infection with HSV-2 is more likely to affect the central nervous system causing seizures, meningitis, developmental delay, and death.

The best solution would be to find a vaccine that would protect women from HSV in the first place.

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Caesarian Deliveries May Minimize Chances Of Transmission Of Genital Herpes From Mother To Infant

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