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TORCH Infections in Pregnancy

Toxoplasma, rubella, CMV, herpes, and other agents can be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy and cause congenital anomalies.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum department. Book Appointment →

What is TORCH Infections in Pregnancy?

The TORCH abbreviation includes Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes simplex virus, and the 'other' group (syphilis, varicella, parvovirus B19, Zika, HIV, hepatitis) agents. Primary infections acquired during pregnancy can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta, creating a transplacental infection picture.

Fetal effects vary by gestational week; in early pregnancy, miscarriage, major malformation, and intrauterine growth retardation, while in late pregnancy classic findings such as hydrops, hepatosplenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, deafness, and chorioretinitis can occur. Even if the newborn is asymptomatic with some agents, the long-term risk of neurodevelopmental sequelae is high.

Screening begins with rubella IgG, syphilis (VDRL/RPR), HBsAg, and HIV in routine first trimester blood tests. In the suspicion of history or ultrasonographic findings, toxoplasma, CMV, and parvovirus serologies are added. Serology avidity tests and amniocentesis PCR clarify the diagnosis.

Symptoms

Maternal weakness, flu-like complaints, and lymphadenopathy
Rash, fever, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (rubella, parvovirus)
Intrauterine growth retardation on fetal ultrasonography
Fetal hepatosplenomegaly and intracranial calcifications
Hydrops fetalis and polyhydramnios
Non-immune anemia findings (elevated MCA Doppler)
Jaundice, petechiae, and microcephaly in the newborn

Risk Factors

Seronegative pregnancy (unvaccinated or no previous infection)
Having a preschool-age child or being a childcare worker (CMV)
Raw or undercooked meat and contact with cats (toxoplasma)
Risky sexual intercourse without preventive measures (syphilis, HSV)
Contact with rash-affected children (parvovirus B19, rubella)
Travel to endemic areas (Zika, varicella)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • History of contact with febrile, rash-affected, or lymphadenopathic disease in pregnancy
  • When fetal anomaly or growth retardation is detected on ultrasonography
  • When sexually transmitted infection is suspected
  • After close contact with a rash-affected child (daycare, school)
  • After raw meat, undercooked food, or unwashed vegetable-fruit consumption

Treatment Methods

01
Inquiry of pre-pregnancy rubella and varicella vaccination status
02
Confirmation by avidity and PCR in primary infection detection
03
Spiramycin in toxoplasma, pyrimethamine-sulfadiazine in confirmed fetal infection
04
Valganciclovir (selected cases) and close ultrasonographic monitoring in CMV
05
Penicillin regimens in syphilis, neonatal evaluation
06
Multidisciplinary perinatology-infectious disease-neonatal consultation

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Kadın Hastalıkları ve Doğum Department

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.