[Neonatal ophthalmia caused by Herpes Simplex Virus type I].

UNLABELLED: There are different etiologies of neonatal ophthalmia such as viral ones. Among them, the Herpes simplex virus, both type I and II, is particularly relevant due to its potential severity. It is a rare, in frequent entity, but with a high rate of morbidity and mortality without appropriate diagnosis and management.

OBJECTIVE

To describe a case of neonatal ophthalmia caused by Herpes Virus type I, its clinical characteristics, and correct diagnosis.

CLINICAL CASE: 8-days old newborn, with no notable history, presenting edema and erythema of eyelids, accompanied by bilateral ocular discharge. Her pes Virus type I infection was diagnosed by PCR, without evidence of disseminated disease or central nervous system involvement. He received full treatment with intravenous Acyclovir with complete clinical improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Herpes Simplex Virus should always be considered as a diffe rential diagnosis in all neonatal ophthalmia. Early and timely diagnosis and treatment are of vital importance.