Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management. Diagnosis typically involves:
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): This is the gold standard for detecting HSV DNA in blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and swabs from lesions. - Viral Culture: Though less sensitive than PCR, it can be useful for confirming infection. - Serological Tests: These are generally not useful in the neonatal period due to the presence of maternal antibodies.
