[The importance of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection pregnancy and the period following birth (author's transl)].

The Type 2 herpes simplex virus is mainly localized in the genital region and is transmitted by sexual intercourse. A distinction must be made between primary and recurrent infection. During pregnancy, infection of the generative tract with HSV-2 can be expected in 0.1% of cases, depending on the patient's social status. It was possible to culture HSV-2 from the cervical secretion in 0.65% of an investigated group of pregnant women. Fifty percent of all infections in pregnancy are asymptomatic. Miscarriages are common before the 20th week of pregnancy (33%), while later there is a slight increase in premature confinement. Where HSV-2 infection exists at the time of birth, cesarean section is the method of choice for delivery. If rupture of the amnion has occurred over 4 hours previously surgical delivery to prevent infection is no longer justified. A start has been made on therapy for herpes genitalis and neonatal herpes, although sufficient experience for therapeutic recommendations has not yet been gathered.