Herpes simplex virus IgA in pregnancy.

From 170 pregnant women, cervico-vaginal secretion, serum and amnion fluid were collected to determine concentrations of herpes simplex virus (HSV) IgA in different risk groups. We found a higher concentration of HSV IgA in cervicovaginal secretions in women with positive cultures, compared with women with negative cultures. Women with a prior history of genital HSV infections also had higher levels of HSV-IgA in cervico-vaginal secretions, compared with those with no HSV history, but the differences were not statistically significant. The concentrations of HSV IgA in cervico-vaginal secretions were not correlated to any other risk group defined in the study. An asymptomatic mother with no previous history of genital HSV infection, but belonging to the risk groups gave birth to an infant who developed neonatal herpes on the 4th day of life. Women at risk for viral shedding during gestation and at the time of delivery cannot be identified solely on the basis of grouping into risk groups and/or on concentration of HSV IgA in cervico-vaginal secretion.