Congenital infections caused by varicella zoster virus and herpes simplex virus.

Congenital infections are caused by both varicella-zoster virus (VZV) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The VZV fetopathy and the HSV fetopathy exhibit several similarities. Both affect the skin, eyes and brain, often with devastating consequences. Congenital VZV infection also may damage portions of the cervical or lumbosacral plexi, an insult that leads to denervation and maldevelopment of an extremity. As is evident from the pathology, most of the fetal sequelae caused by intrauterine infection with VZV and HSV-2 are caused by the pronounced neurotropism of both alpha-herpes viruses.