What condition can maternal herpes simplex virus potentially cause in infants?

Maternal herpes simplex virus (HSV) can potentially lead to microcephaly in infants, particularly when the mother contracts the infection during the third trimester of pregnancy. Microcephaly is characterized by an abnormally small head size, which can result from various factors, including infections during pregnancy.

The virus can affect the developing brain of the fetus, leading to complications like microcephaly. Research indicates that congenital infection can have severe consequences for neurological development. Microcephaly may be accompanied by other issues, such as developmental delays and intellectual disabilities.

In contrast, the other conditions listed may stem from different causes or factors and are not directly linked to maternal HSV infection. For example, muscle atrophy can result from disuse or neurological disorders unrelated to HSV. Neurological disorders encompass a broad range of conditions that might not specifically arise from HSV, and hypoxia, or inadequate oxygen supply, can be caused by various issues during labor and delivery but is not a direct consequence of HSV infection.