Neonatal herpes simplex virus-2 encephalitis.

Of the two virologically distinct types of Herpes simplex viruses i.e., types 1 and 2, Herpes simplex virus-2 [HSV-2] is the predominant cause of neonatal disease, and is almost always acquired from an infected maternal genital tract. Perinatally transmitted HSV-2 infection in the neonate may have either a localized, disseminated or encephalitic pattern of presentation. The encephalitic from often remain undiagnosed as 4060% of neonates with central nervous system infection have no skin lesion at the time of clinical presentation(l). The outcome of the disease is largely dependent on a prompt diagnosis, which is difficult to make and adequate treatment, which is expensive. We are reporting the management of a neonate with HSV-2 encephalitis, which to our knowledge has not been documented earlier in Indian pediatric literature.