Neutralizing antibody to herpes simplex in pregnant women and their neonates

The neutralizing antibody (NAb) titer against herpes simplex virus (HSV) was determined in blood obtained at term delivery in 76 women with documented genital HSV infection. Maternal and cord blood NAb titers against HSV-1 and HSV-2 displayed significant correlation (r = .88 and r = 0.89, respectively). In 33% of the paired samples, the neonatal NAb titer against HSV-1 exceeded the concomitant maternal titer, and in 59% the maternal and neonatal NAb titers against HSV-1 were equal. In 28% of the pairs, neonatal NAb titer against HSV-2 exceeded the concomitant maternal NAb titer against HSV-2, and in 59% the neonatal and maternal titers against HSV-2 were equal. Since maternal NAb titers against HSV accurately predict a minimum neonatal NAb titer against HSV-1 and HSV-2 in 92% and 87% of cases, respectively, such measurements may be useful in the management of delivery in women with recurrent genital HSV infection.