Herpesviridae infections in newborns: varicella zoster virus, herpes simplex virus, and cytomegalovirus

Varicella zoster virus (VZV), herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) are all members of the Herpesviridae family. Humans are the only source of infection for these double-stranded DNA viruses. Infants may acquire these infections in utero, peripartum, or postnatally, resulting in a variety of clinical syndromes, ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe infection, with high mortality rates and significant long-term morbidity. This article presents the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, treatment, and prevention strategies for VZV, HSV, and CMV infections in infants.