TORCH - Infection profile

General Information

TORCH syndrome  represents Infectious disease group, which can cause serious complications in pregnant women

TORCHThe infection profile includes the identification of the following antibodies:

• Anti-Toxoplasma IgG
• Anti-Toxoplasma IgM
• Anti-rubella IgG
• Anti-rubella IgM
• Anti-cytomegalovirus IgG
• Anti-cytomegalovirus IgM
• Herpes simplex virus type 2 anti-IgG
• Herpes simplex virus type 2 anti-IgM
• Pale Treponema Test (TPHA) (Syphilis)
• Rapid Test for HIV (HIV)

Infectious diseases:

T- Toxoplasmosis

O - Other agents (including HIV, syphilis, varicella and fifth disease)

R - rubella

C - Cytomegalovirus

H- Herpes simplex virus

When a mother becomes infected with TORCH infections during pregnancy, the pathogens are transmitted to the fetus through the blood.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis Is a parasitic disease (parasitosis) caused by an intracellular single-celled parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. In the life cycle of a parasite, humans are the intermediate hosts and members of the cat family are the ultimate hosts. Humans become infected by eating raw or undercooked meat that contains parasite cysts or by the water and food in which oocysts are found. Vertical transmission (fetal transplants) from the mother who developed the disease during pregnancy is important.

The parasite mainly affects the nervous system, eyes, skeletal muscles and heart.

There is no specific symptom characteristic of toxoplasmosis. In immunocompetent people it either occurs asymptomatically or with nonspecific symptoms - fatigue, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes (most often the neck lymph nodes).

Acute toxoplasmosis is asymptomatic in most pregnant women. Injury to the fetus occurs during transplacental transmission from a mother who became infected during pregnancy. Toxoplasmosis in the first trimester of pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and miscarriage.

Exposure to toxoplasmosis can lead to fetal problems such as:

• Chorioretinitis - inflammation of parts of the eye that can lead to blindness;
• Diffuse intracranial calcifications (brain damage);
• Hydrocephalus (larger head circumference, increased volume of fluid in the skull);
• Limited ability to use muscles (impaired motor functions);
• Convulsions.

Rubella

Rubella is a contagious disease caused by a virus. Symptoms of rubella include low-grade fever, sore throat, and rash. If a pregnant woman in the first trimester gets rubella, it is likely that the infection will be transmitted to the fetus as well. This can even lead to very serious complications such as miscarriage or birth defects in the baby.

The first trimester of pregnancy is the period when rubella can cause the most problems in terms of fetal development. It is therefore important to inform your doctor immediately of any suspected infection.

Congenital rubella syndrome is impossible to cure, therefore The main thing is prevention and timely immunization!

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Cytomegalovirus is an infection in the herpes virus group. If a pregnant woman is infected, the infection can be transmitted to the fetus.

CMV is the most common viral infection that is transmitted transplacentally.

Complications of cytomegalovirus in children:

• Hearing and vision loss;
• Jaundice;
• Small mass at birth;
• Lung problems;
• Convulsions;
• Muscle weakness;
• Mental limitations.

Herpes simplex virus

Simple Herpes virus (HSV) It is an ancient and ubiquitous virus that causes acute and recurrent infections in humans. Transmission occurs through close contact with infected people. The virus enters the mucous membranes (eyes, mouth and genitals) and multiplies locally. The clinical course of the infection is variable and the symptoms can sometimes be minimal and unnoticed. Mainly develops rash, skin damage, genital tract damage and herpes of the newborn.

Herpes can be transmitted to a child in several ways:

• Intrauterine (rarely);
• Genital disease of pregnant women during childbirth (the most common way of infecting infants);
• In newborns;

Simple genital herpes in pregnant women is a indication for cesarean section.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Most children who are infected with HIV are infected from their mothers during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman is HIV-positive, tests may not show that the baby has an infection at birth, but it may appear later, even after 6 months. Children may experience symptoms such as delayed growth, pneumonia, or enlarged lymph nodes and abdomen.

If you have HIV and are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, antiretroviral medications can help reduce your chances of transmitting the virus to your baby.

Syphilis

Pregnant women in the first or second stage of syphilis - sexually transmitted disease (STD) - transmit the infection to infants in 75% of untreated cases.

Syphilis is caused by a bacterium (Treponema pallidum) and can cause serious problems for the baby's development. Many babies who get the infection before birth cannot survive (almost half) or die soon after birth.

Babies born with syphilis may have defective bones, anemia, meningitis, skin rashes, and nerve problems that can lead to blindness and deafness.

If you are pregnant, you should get tested for syphilis. If the test is positive, the infection is treated with antibiotics.

Profile servesTORCH-Prevention and diagnostics of infections by prescribing antibodies against them.