Fatal disseminated herpes simplex virus infection in a previously healthy pregnant woman. A case report.

Background: In contrast to the frequent occurrence of localized herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections during pregnancy, disseminated disease has rarely been reported.

Case: A 21-year-old woman in the 27th week of gestation developed a catastrophic illness characterized by fever, progressive pneumonia, respiratory failure, leukopenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), anicteric hepatitis, septic shock and acute renal failure. Initial studies for an infectious etiology were negative.