14 October 2024

TORCH

The TORCH test is a series of laboratory tests designed to detect infections caused by various microorganisms, particularly in pregnant women and newborns.

TORCH stands for Toxoplasma gondii (Toxo), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), which includes HSV1 and HSV2. These infections can be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy. Early detection allows doctors to promptly address the diseases and prevent complications in newborns.

Several conditions can be identified through TORCH screening, including:

1. Toxoplasmosis
   Caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, which is commonly found in cat feces. Babies can contract this infection either during birth or while in the womb. It can lead to blindness, deafness, seizures, and intellectual disabilities.

2. Other Infections
   Other infections, including HIV/AIDS, syphilis, Zika virus, fifth disease, and chickenpox, can also be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy. These may result in deafness, blindness, abdominal swelling, pneumonia, or even miscarriage.

3. Rubella
   Rubella, also known as German measles, is a viral infection that spreads easily through sneezing or coughing. While it has become rare due to vaccination programs, it can still pose risks during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman contracts rubella, the virus may infect the fetus, leading to miscarriage, preterm birth, or stillbirth. It may also cause heart defects, vision and hearing issues, and developmental delays in the baby.

4. Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
   CMV is a type of herpes virus and is the most common congenital infection in newborns. It spreads through sexual contact or exposure to bodily fluids, such as saliva from an infected person. CMV can cause long-term health problems in babies, including vision and hearing impairments, developmental delays, neurological issues, brain damage, or seizures.

5. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
   HSV is transmitted through sexual contact with an infected individual. It can also be passed to the baby during delivery. The infection may lead to low birth weight, miscarriage, or preterm birth. HSV is a chronic condition that cannot be completely cured. It can cause lesions affecting the skin, eyes, and mouth, as well as brain damage and organ damage in severe cases.

Reviewed by: dr. Innosensius Ibnu Ishwara, M.K.K.

Source: Halodoc Health Article

Photo: freepik.com