The correct response to the question: Vertical transmission of HSV-2, typically occurs during, would be: B: Birthing (passage through the birth canal).
Explanation:
HSV, be it type 1, or 2, are both of the herpesviridae family. This virus, also called herpes simplex, usually causes lesions of the skin in areas where the nerves where they reside, are present. As such, the herpes virus resides in latent form inside certain nerve clusters, like the trigeminal ganglia, or the lumbosacral ganglia, and becomes activated given the right conditions, to form lessions that are visible in the skin. During pregnancy, the possibility of a fetus acquiring the infection is present, but not as common, and can only happen during the first 20 weeks of gestation. Most commonly, however, is the vertical passage of the herpes infection from mother to child during birth, and some times post-partum, when the baby comes into contact with lessions. But the most common form, is during the birthing process, when the baby comes into contact with vaginal skin lessions.
