Herpes simplex encephalitis in third trimester of pregnancy: successful outcome for mother and child

A woman with herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) in the third trimester of pregnancy is described. She was treated with acyclovir and recovered completely to deliver a normal child per vaginam at term. She had no evidence of genital or disseminated herpes virus infection. This paper illustrates that (1) the outcome of HSE in pregnancy can be favorable both for the mother and the offspring, (2) early diagnosis and use of acyclovir therapy is essential for successful outcome, and (3) the use of acyclovir in the third trimester of pregnancy was not harmful to the mother or fetus.