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Primary HSV in Late Pregnancy — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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HardSTIsPrimary HSV in Late PregnancySCE Infectious Diseases

A pregnant patient acquires a first episode of genital herpes at 38 weeks and has active lesions when labour begins. Which delivery plan most reduces neonatal transmission risk?

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Correct answer: A — Caesarean birth for primary infection acquired within 6 weeks of delivery

The best answer is “Caesarean birth for primary infection acquired within 6 weeks of delivery”. Recent primary infection produces high shedding before protective maternal antibody has crossed the placenta; caesarean birth is recommended, with specialist antiviral and neonatal planning. Genital herpes management depends on first versus recurrent infection, pregnancy timing, lesion status and neonatal-transmission risk.

Reference: BASHH genital herpes guideline: https://www.bashh.org/resources/6/genital_herpes_2014/