Enteroviral and herpes simplex virus central nervous system infections in infants < 90 days old: a Paediatric Investigators' Collaborative Network on Infections in Canada (PICNIC) study.

Viruses accounted for approximately two-thirds of proven CNS infections in the first 90 days of life. Empiric therapy for HSV should be considered in suspected CNS infections in the first 21 days even in the absence of CSF pleocytosis unless CSF parameters are suggestive of bacterial meningitis. Neurodevelopmental follow-up should be considered in infants whose course of illness is complicated by seizures.