Herpes simplex virus and congenital malformations.

We have reported a case of transplacentally transmitted herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection in association with both congenital malformations and other serious abnormalities, including facial abnormalities, microcephaly, cerebral atrophy, and microscopic cranial calcifications. Before death, the infant showed marked neurologic deficits, seizures, and respiratory distress. Serum IgM and complement fixing antibodies to HSV were elevated at birth. Light and electron microscopy and immunofluorescence studies confirmed the presence of the virus.