TORCH infections

TORCH infection (torch infection)

TORCH infections (TORCH infections) are a group of diseases that can be transmitted in utero from mother to child and cause various birth defects and diseases.

TORCH infections- an acronym derived from the initial letters of such infections:

• T - Toxoplasmosis (toxoplasmosis)
• O - Others (syphilis, hepatitis B, varicella-zoster virus, other viruses and bacteria)
• R - Rubella (rubella)
• C - Cytomegalovirus (cytomegalovirus)
• H - Herpes simplex virus (herpes simplex virus)

What happens in the body

All these viruses and bacteria infect a large number of people regardless of gender and age, but the term TORCH infection applies only to pregnant women, their fetuses and newborns. TORCH infections cause birth defects in the fetus and can lead to miscarriage and stillbirth. TORCH infections cause minor painful symptoms in pregnant women and can even go unnoticed by them, while infection of the fetus leads to very serious consequences, especially if it occurs in the first three months of pregnancy (first trimester). At this time, the fetal organs are actively forming and the influence of pathogenic factors on these processes is especially noticeable.

Causes of TORCH infection

Each of the TORCH infections has its own cause.

Toxoplasmosis can pass through undercooked meat and through cats, which are sometimes carriers of the infection.

Cytomegalovirus spreads easily from person to person through saliva (airborne), through blood and through sexual contact.

Rubella transmitted by airborne droplets.

Syphilis(treponema pallidum) is transmitted sexually and through blood.

Herpes(herpes simplex virus) is transmitted through sexual contact and airborne transmission.

These pathogens become dangerous to the fetus if a woman becomes infected with them during pregnancy (excluding syphilis). If a woman had rubella, cytomegalovirus infection, toxoplasmosis and herpes before pregnancy (or was vaccinated), then these conditions do not pose a danger to the fetus.

Symptoms and signs of TORCH infection

A pregnant woman often has mild symptoms - fever, skin rashes, catarrhal phenomena on the mucous membranes (ARVI symptoms), changes in general analysis blood. A fetus with TORCH infection and a child with it may have the following symptoms:

• Disorders in communication, learning (including speech, reading, ability to perform simple arithmetic operations), movement disorders, inhibition of self-care skills (ability to eat, dress and go to the toilet independently), impairment in social skills (ability to make decisions, impaired thinking, impaired self-control), impaired mental development
• Learning problems emotional sphere and behavioral reactions
• Microcephaly (small head and brain)
• Hydrocephalus (enlargement of the ventricles of the brain)
• Chorioretinitis (inflammation of the retina and uvea of ​​the eye, leading to blindness)
• Deafness
• Cataract
• Heart defects
• Skin lesions
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Other symptoms are also possible

Diagnosis of TORCH infections

Diagnosis based on obtaining IgG antibody titers is useless. IgG are antibodies-witnesses that demonstrate only that the woman has suffered a particular infection previously. The activity of the process is judged by the titers (quantity) of IgM. IgM are antibodies that appear during the acute period of the disease. They play a key role in diagnosing TORCH infections in pregnant women, since it is acute diseases that are dangerous. Also, the activity of the process can be indicated by increasing amounts of IgG antibodies over two weeks. If their growth is recorded, then the process is active.

Do all pregnant women need to be screened for TORCH infection? We believe that, given the serious risks to the birth of a healthy baby, this is necessary. Testing for TORCH infections primarily helps to identify pregnant women at risk - those who have not previously had rubella, herpes, toxoplasmosis, or cytomegalovirus infection. Such women need to be given Special attention if they develop symptoms of ARVI, skin rashes, changes in lymph nodes, changes in the general blood test, characteristic of viral infections. If such symptoms occur, it is necessary to repeat the test for IgM to the causative agents of TORCH infections or carry out PCR diagnostics for the presence of viruses in the blood and/or discharge from the mucous membranes.

Prevention of TORCH infections

For prevention cytomegalovirus infection It is recommended to avoid contact with infected people and prevent weakening of the immune system, since most cases of cytomegalovirus infection occur in people with immunosuppression.

Prevention of genital herpes - protection from sexual contact with infected people.

Prevention of toxoplasmosis: it is necessary to thoroughly wash your hands before eating, wash vegetables and fruits, and work in the garden only with rubber gloves. Avoid contact with animals and their waste products.

In obstetrics and gynecology we work in the following areas:

• Vaginal discharge in women, discharge during pregnancy

• Ultrasound diagnosis of Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities

We treat such problems.

During pregnancy, a woman should take special care of her health, since the health of the unborn child depends on it. The physiological structure of the uterus during pregnancy partially protects the fetus. However, there are intracellular infections that can cross the placental barrier and infect the fetus.

At the moment of formation of the main human organs and systems, viruses prevent their full development, resulting in serious anomalies, dysfunctions and congenital deformities.

Totality infectious diseases threatening the child’s health during intrauterine development called TORCH infections.

Viral agents of these diseases have a vital effect on the fetus, while they may remain invisible to an adult. Such infections disrupt the normal course of pregnancy, up to the arrest of development and death of the fetus.

The greatest danger of TORCH infections is in the first three months of pregnancy. Therefore, analysis for TORCH infections is a mandatory study, which is performed immediately after a woman is registered.

TORCH infections enter the body in different ways: through the air, blood, sexual intercourse, household items. If a woman becomes infected in the first two to three months, it is possible to terminate the pregnancy artificially. If an infection enters a woman’s body for more than later, then the doctor prescribes her a course of therapy. During this period, there is a danger of the child developing such disorders as heart disease, deafness, blindness, pneumonia, chorioretinitis, dropsy and other physical and mental abnormalities.

Diseases that threaten the development of a child in the womb have been combined into a single group.

The abbreviation TOPCH consists of the first characters of the names of these diseases:

• Toxoplasma gondii;
• Others;
• Rubella;

Let's look at them in more detail:

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An excellent way to prevent rubella is to get vaccinated six months before pregnancy. If conceiving a child was not planned, then a woman expecting a child should avoid crowded places and contact with sick people. Employees of kindergartens, clinics and other places where there are many children need to wear a gauze bandage during the active spread of infection.

Genital herpes is transmitted through sex, so to exclude infection, it is necessary that the sexual partner be examined along with the woman. If there is uncertainty about a man's health, then sexual intercourse should be protected with a condom.

To exclude toxoplasmosis, it is advisable to part with pets during pregnancy, especially if they go outside. Meat eaten for food must undergo long-term heat treatment. Vegetables, fruits, and herbs must be washed.

CMV cannot be excluded, since it is transmitted by any means. But in medical practice it is noted that it is most likely to become infected from a person with whom there is long-term contact. Therefore, family members should be tested for this infection.

Any infectious diseases develop against the background of decreased immunity and disruption of the human microbiome. Therefore, doctors recommend that women strengthen their immune system and eat right. During pregnancy, it is useful to take vitamin-mineral complexes, get proper rest and often visit fresh air.

TORCH complex: review of diseases

Each of the diseases that are part of the TORCH complex can harm the mother and fetus. The most dangerous of them are the four main ailments included in the abbreviation of the group of infections. Let's take a closer look at how they affect pregnancy and the fetus.

Toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasma poses a danger to pregnancy only when the virus enters a woman’s body for the first time. If she has had toxoplasmosis previously, then pathogenic microorganisms do not harm either the mother or the child. In the short term, infection of the fetus is less likely, but the health consequences are very serious. In later stages, the percentage of infection of the fetus increases, but the risk of severe developmental disorders decreases.

If infected in the first three months, serious abnormalities may develop in the fetus: abnormal development of the brain, spleen, visual organs, nervous tissues, and liver. At this stage, the woman is recommended to have an abortion. The risk of abnormal development of the child’s systems and organs continues into mid-pregnancy. In the third trimester, the danger decreases significantly and the disease in the fetus is usually asymptomatic.

Rubella.

Rubella is considered a harmless childhood disease that is easily tolerated. The body is covered with a small rash, and the temperature can rise to 38 degrees, but rubella does not pose serious consequences for humans. However, this infection, part of the TORCH complex, often kills the fetus.

If a person has had rubella once, he or she develops lifelong immunity. An expectant mother who suffered from this disease in childhood should not be afraid of rubella. But those who do not have antibodies to the virus should consider preventive measures, and even better, get vaccinated before conceiving a child.

If a woman’s disease manifests itself in the first twelve weeks, then the fetus’s nervous and cardiovascular systems, organs of hearing, vision, etc. are affected. Deviations in development become incompatible with life, so a medical abortion is indicated at this period. From the fourth month, the danger of developing anomalies remains, but they are no longer as pronounced. If a woman becomes infected shortly before giving birth, the fetus tolerates rubella without consequences, like a normal child.

Herpes.

The TORCH complex includes types 1 and 2 of infection. The disease is dangerous throughout the entire period of pregnancy. If a woman has had herpes before, the fetus is partially protected by antibodies, but it is advisable to take preventive measures against the disease so that it does not manifest itself during pregnancy.

On early stages the disease often leads to the loss of a child. In the second and third trimester, the fetus develops diseases of the heart, lungs, eyes and other organs. There is still a risk of miscarriage or premature birth. In severe cases of the disease, the child may be born blind, deaf, suffer from epilepsy or cerebral palsy.

Infection of a child with HSV type 2 is possible during childbirth. Therefore, women who fall ill on the eve of the birth of a child undergo a caesarean section.

Cytomegalovirus infection.

The virus develops and infects the body when the immune system is weakened. Cytomegalovirus easily penetrates the placental barrier, that is, if a woman becomes infected while pregnant, the fetus will most likely be infected.

An infected child may suffer from hydrocele, heart defects, hepatitis, pneumonia, congenital deformities and other diseases. At any stage, infection can kill the fetus. Sometimes congenital CMV leads to various developmental disorders when the child is three or four years old. The baby is behind in mental development, his hearing and vision are impaired, and psychomotor disturbances occur.

Treatment.

Treatment of TORCH complex diseases in a pregnant woman is associated with certain difficulties. Not all medications can be taken without harm to the health of the fetus. Therefore, the woman undergoes a consultation with an infectious disease specialist, who selects the most gentle therapy. The treatment complex necessarily includes immunomodulatory agents and vitamin-mineral complexes.

Why and how to get tested for TORCH infections

A responsible attitude towards the period of bearing a child manifests itself even before conception. In order to exclude dangerous diseases, a woman and a man undergo a series of studies, including the TORCH blood test. As a result of the diagnosis, the doctor approves the pregnancy or recommends a course of treatment before conceiving a child.

Many women who want to give birth to a child ask questions: test for TORCH infection: what is it, how to take it and what does it reveal?

Let's take a closer look at them.

Analysis for TORCH infections will determine which viruses there are antibodies to in a woman’s body. The titer of these antibodies will tell you whether the pathogenic microorganisms are active at the time of the study or whether the disease is already a thing of the past. After deciphering the results, the doctor can accurately say whether there is a danger to the fetus, whether it is worth terminating the pregnancy, whether disease prevention is needed or treatment is required.

A blood test for TORCH infections is carried out using the enzyme immunoassay method. The antibodies immunoglobulins G and M are secreted in the blood serum. After a series of manipulations, the antigen and antibody complex is painted in a certain color, which allows us to determine whether there is a disease or not, at what stage of development it is, and whether it existed before.

In some cases, analysis for TORCH infections must be carried out on other biological media: urine or vaginal discharge.

In this case, the following rules must be observed:

• if you are just planning a pregnancy, then you need to take tests immediately after menstruation;
• urination is not allowed for two hours before taking a vaginal smear;
• on the eve of the procedure, sexual intercourse should be excluded;
• Before tests, you should not wash yourself using hygiene products.

Test results for TORCH infections are usually ready within two days. Depending on the clinic, it may take longer. After receiving the results, the doctor deciphers them and gives recommendations. If there is a suspicion of the development of the disease, then re-examination may be required.

TORCH infections: interpretation of tests according to the general scheme

Tests for diseases included in TORCH infections detect levels of antibodies igM and iGG. Comparing them allows us to identify primary infection, which is dangerous during pregnancy.

When a pregnant woman is registered, she is sent for this test as quickly as possible. Usually the study is carried out no later than 10 weeks of pregnancy. Deciphering the tests for TROCH infections will allow the doctor to correctly draw up a pregnancy management program.

How are antibodies formed?

After the body is infected with viruses, immunoglobulins M appear and increase rapidly. IgM antibodies persist for three or four months after the onset of the disease, then disappear. Immunoglobulin G begins to form after a few weeks, and its levels rise more slowly. These antibodies can remain in the blood throughout a person's life.

Depending on the disease from the TORCH infection complex, the interpretation of the tests may vary. Therefore, the results should be reviewed by a specialist. But there is general concepts, which can be applied to all diseases from this group.

Decoding the results:

• G - negative, M - negative: the woman has never been sick, preventive measures are needed;
• G - positive, M - positive: characteristic of primary infection and the course of the disease in acute form, in the early stages the pregnancy is terminated;
• G - negative, M - positive: infection occurred for the first time, termination of pregnancy is possible;
• G - positive, M - negative: the disease was present before and there is no danger to the fetus.

To interpret test results, antibody numbers are important, as well as monitoring changes in these numbers over time. Therefore, only a doctor can say unequivocally how great the danger to the fetus is. The term avidity, which can be found in tests, characterizes the severity of the immune response, and seropositivity indicates the presence of antibodies to a specific infection.

TORCH infections (TORCH complex), what is it, why are they dangerous for the expectant mother and should they be treated? This concept refers to 4 bacterial and viral diseases. And they can have the most adverse effects on the unborn child in some situations. For adults who are not carriers of HIV, that is, who have normal immunity, all these diseases are not terrible. We will briefly talk about TORCH infections and what is included in them.

Half of these diseases are considered “childhood” diseases, since they are mainly contracted in early age. These include rubella. If infected in the first trimester of pregnancy, doctors recommend that the woman have an abortion. After all, this disease in almost 100% of cases leads to intrauterine death of the fetus, severe pathologies of the brain, cardiac vascular systems s, deafness and blindness. The risk of birth defects is much lower if you become infected with rubella in the second half of pregnancy.

Symptoms of TORCH infection appear 10-25 days after infection. These are fever, rash, conjunctivitis, cough and other signs of acute viral infection. Treatment is symptomatic. A strong immunity is developed against infection. As a rule, nothing threatens the health of the sick person. Complete recovery occurs in a few days.

Examination for TORCH infections allows us to determine whether a person has suffered from this disease in his life. If this happened, and for a long time, a woman planning a pregnancy need not worry. If antibodies are not detected, there is a high risk of infection (cares for children, works in children's team), doctors offer vaccination. Thus, timely diagnosis of TORCH infections helps reduce the risk of possible infection and all the problems that it can lead to. For those who do not want to be vaccinated, doctors recommend following preventive measures.

Another disease that many also suffer from is childhood- This is cytomegalovirus or abbreviated as CMV. But there are approximately 4% of women who get sick while in interesting position. And every third of them has a child infected in utero. If this happens in the first three months after conception, the child develops brain pathologies, the organs of hearing and vision are affected, and cerebral palsy occurs. If infected at a later stage - hepatitis, retinitis, pneumonia.

A blood test for TORCH infections when planning a child allows you to assess possible risks. Infection of the fetus occurs in the vast majority of cases with a primary infection in the mother. There are no vaccines against CMV, there is only prevention. Cytomegalovirus is transmitted by airborne droplets, saliva, and semen. Therefore, a woman should avoid promiscuity, not communicate with small children, not change their diapers, not wash potties, and spend less time in in public places, especially in autumn and winter. The manifestations of CMV are very similar to ARVI.

Another, more “adult” disease is toxoplasmosis, which can be contracted by eating insufficiently cooked meat or cleaning the cat litter with unprotected hands. The risk of infection is especially high if the cat walks outside. There she can easily “catch” toxoplasmosis. A cat remains contagious for three weeks after infection. Infection is also possible when working in a meat processing plant (through the blood of livestock).

Approximately 10% of women become infected with toxoplasmosis while pregnant, and every third woman becomes infected in utero. If this happens in the 1st or 2nd trimester, there is a big risk spontaneous miscarriage, severe malformations in the fetus. If in the third trimester, the prognosis is more favorable, since the disease in children is often asymptomatic, that is, they simply become carriers of the infection.

And finally, simple herpes type 1 or 2. This is the fourth infection from this complex. The most dangerous infection is considered expectant mother genital herpes. In 50% of cases this means intrauterine infection of the fetus.

Herpes is transmitted sexually. The first symptoms in an adult usually appear within 5-7 days after infection. This is itching of the genital organs, their redness and the appearance of blisters on the mucous membrane, which rupture after 1-2 days and turn into painful ulcers. The herpes virus cannot be treated, remains with a person for life and periodically recurs. But these relapses are rarely dangerous for expectant mothers, or rather, their future children.

But if a woman acquires herpes after conceiving a child or shortly before, the child faces severe developmental defects if the infection is transmitted in the first trimester. Polyhydramnios, fetoplacental insufficiency, low body weight, and premature birth threaten if infected in the third trimester.

Thus, we can conclude that TORCH infections during pregnancy are dangerous if they become infected during pregnancy. This is because children are unprotected against these infections. Their mother has not yet developed immunity; there are no antibodies that she would pass on to the child through the blood for protection.

If you get tested for TORCH infections during the period of planning a child, you can:

• get vaccinated against rubella in a timely manner;
• get rid of a pet or delegate its care to someone else;
• stop communicating with small children, and, most importantly, kiss them on the lips, because this is how CMV is transmitted.

This is if the transcript of the tests showed TORCH infections negative result. If it is positive, you can relax a little and not take some measures.

In the analysis results you can see the following:

• absence of IgM and IgG antibodies - the body is not familiar with the infectious pathogen;
• IgM positive, IgG negative - infection occurred less than 1.5-2 months ago;
• IgM and IgG are positive - you were infected 2-6 months ago;
• IgM is negative, IgG is positive - the infection occurred a long time ago, you can get pregnant, it is safe for the child’s health.

You can have a child with the first and last test results.

The most serious test for a woman’s body is the period of pregnancy, during which the chronic diseases and infections easily attach to a weakened body. Some infections are considered relatively harmless, for example, acute respiratory infections. There is a group of infections that are regarded as dangerous to the health of a pregnant woman and fetus; this group includes TORCH - infections (TORCH complex). Under each letter of the abbreviation TORCH, the names of infectious diseases are encrypted, the decoding of which is as follows:

• T – toxoplasmosis
• O – the following infections are encrypted: HIV, chicken pox, hepatitis B, C, syphilis, chlamydia, gonococcal infection, etc.
• R – rubella
• C – cytomegalovirus infection

TORCH - infections differ in specificity negative impact during embryonic development on the formation of organs and systems of the fetus. This complex of infections can lead to intrauterine death fetus, cause abnormalities in its development. There is a high chance of giving birth to a child with developmental defects of the nervous and cardiovascular systems. If during pregnancy tests and Clinical signs prove that a woman has a TORCH complex, then very often the woman is offered.

Planning pregnancy involves taking blood tests in order to determine TORCH - a complex, or rather antibodies to infection. If before a woman’s pregnancy, antibodies to the above infectious diseases are detected in her blood, then she can become pregnant without fear for the health of the child.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a widespread disease, which, according to statistics, affects a third of the population of our planet. The causative agent of the disease is toxoplasma. Its owners are cats. In their body, toxoplasma multiplies, develops and is transmitted to humans, often through dirty hands. With good immunity, a person suffers from a mild form of the disease. Having been ill once, a strong immunity is formed for life. For pregnant women the most dangerous period are the first 12 weeks, when the placenta is not formed. It is during the period of embryonic development that Toxoplasma affects the rudiments of the brain, eyes, liver and spleen. The longer the pregnancy period at which Toxoplasma infection occurred, the less chance there is of possible deformities in the unborn child.

1. Limit contact with animals, especially cats;
2. If there is a cat living in the house that is allowed outside, then the woman during pregnancy should only care for her while wearing gloves;
3. Fruits and vegetables should be washed in a weak solution of soda, then rinsed with water and only then eaten;
4. Meat and products made from it must be well cooked.

Rubella

Another dangerous disease representing the torch complex is rubella. The disease is of an infectious nature, transmitted through the air when talking, coughing, etc. Rubella is a relatively “harmless” disease that most often affects children. For them it proceeds without complications. Clinically, the disease manifests itself as a small rash all over the body and fever. Transferred rubella leaves stable immunity.

What is the danger of rubella for pregnant women? The infection, penetrating the body of the expectant mother, causes a teratogenic effect on fetal tissue. In the first three months, the virus affects the heart muscle, nervous tissue, and also affects hearing and vision. In the second and third trimester, the virus is not so dangerous, but the disease is manifested by the child’s retardation in growth and physical development.

Pregnancy is terminated only in the first trimester; in the second and third, restorative therapy is prescribed, aimed at preventing placental insufficiency. If a woman gets rubella during the 9th month of pregnancy, she may give birth to a child with clinical manifestations he has illnesses. A woman who is planning a pregnancy, for her own peace of mind, needs to take blood tests two months before.

If a woman was not sick in childhood or was not vaccinated, when planning a pregnancy is the time to get vaccinated. 2 months after repeated blood tests, when there is no danger to the fetus, the woman can safely try to get pregnant. Testing is considered mandatory if during pregnancy a woman has been in contact with a person with rubella.

By the way, I would like to add about medications, which, just like TORCH, infections can have a detrimental effect on the fetus. For example, the drug baklosan (synonym baclofen), which is prescribed for neurological diseases, eliminates spasms and convulsions and is absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy. Baclosan (baclofen) causes malformations of the fetus, and in the early stages can cause its death. The same applies to most medications, the effect of which can be compared to a torch infection. Some drugs can only be used with caution, for example, phenibut, which is available in tablets. Phenibut is a low-toxic drug that is effective for neuroses and insomnia. Phenibut is often prescribed for stressful situations. Phenibut does not have a teratogenic effect, but it should still be prescribed with extreme caution not only during pregnancy, but also during lactation.

Cytomegalovirus infection is an infectious, viral disease transmitted through sexual contact, blood and breast milk. In most cases, a person is a carrier, and when the immune system is weakened, as in pregnant women, the disease manifests itself. The fetus is especially sensitive to this virus. The embryo can be infected even during conception; if the father is infected, the virus is transmitted through the sperm.

In utero, the fetus becomes infected through the membranes or through the placenta. The baby can become infected by passing through an infected birth canal or through breast milk.

Cytomegalovirus infection affects the central nervous system of the fetus, in particular the development of the brain, which may be underdeveloped or dropsy, and the liver and spleen may also be enlarged. The born child may be deaf, mute, and noticeably developmentally delayed. This disease is a direct indication for induced abortion.

To verify the disease, you need to take a blood test, make a smear from the vagina and cervix and, after waiting for the results, strictly follow medical prescriptions. Typically, antiviral drugs significantly reduce the teratogenic properties of the virus and dramatically increase the chance of giving birth to a healthy child.

Again, as in the case of rubella, a blood test to determine torch infection, in particular cytomegalovirus, should be carried out in non-pregnant women, but during the planning period. In addition to the woman, a man must be tested.

Herpes

Herpes also represents the torch complex. There are two types I and II.

Herpes of the first type manifests itself as a cold on the lips, while the second type affects the genitals. Due to the results obtained, proven by scientists, it has been established that type 1 herpes is not so dangerous for the fetus. If an infection enters the bloodstream before pregnancy, immune system antibodies are formed. During pregnancy, some of the antibodies are transmitted to the woman and the child is not in danger.

Herpes, like the rest of the torch viral infections dangerous in the first trimester. In the later stages, according to the results obtained, it is known that the effect of the virus is dangerous premature birth. Intrauterine infection of one of the torch infections is fraught with fetal death, blindness, deafness, and epilepsy. A married couple must be tested for torch infection.

According to the data obtained from tests performed for torch infections, the doctor prescribes antiviral treatment, which suppresses the activity of the virus and stimulates the production of interferon, which is responsible for immunity.

Other infections of the Torch complex

The remaining infections included in the torch complex under the letter “O” are just as dangerous, but less common.

• Torch complex includes viral diseases that have different transmission mechanisms;
• Complex dangerous diseases is transmitted quickly and becomes dangerous to the fetus in the first trimester of pregnancy;
• It is necessary to take care of the health of the unborn child in advance by undergoing timely tests for a range of infections.

When is it necessary to get tested?

It is advisable to take tests for the torch complex 3 months before planning a pregnancy. If, after examining a woman, blood tests confirm the presence of antibodies, this means that the torch complex is not dangerous for the fetus. If no antibodies are detected in the blood, then a woman can be vaccinated against some torch infections, and against some, you can protect yourself and your unborn child only by following prevention tips: avoid places with large crowds of people, take immunostimulating drugs approved by your doctor. For a strong immune system, it is useful to move actively, be in the fresh air more often and lead healthy image life.

One of the common ways to detect torch complex is enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and PCR (polymyrase chain reaction). The latest blood test allows you to determine the DNA of the pathogen and determine its type, for example, herpes type 1 or type 2. In order to use the PCR method and conduct an analysis, not only blood is taken for research, but also urine, vaginal discharge, and cervix. The reliability of the test results is 95 percent.

Thus, a woman who has prepared in advance and wishes to give birth healthy child, TORCH infections are not scary, since, at present, it is possible to identify them, prevent them, and, sometimes, cure them or reduce the risk of teratogenic effects on the fetus.

TORCH infections (or TORCH) are a group of infectious diseases that pose a particular danger during pregnancy, as they can cause intrauterine infections in the fetus.

This abbreviation stands for as follows:

T (toxoplasmosis) - toxoplasmosis O (other) – others (including syphilis, hepatitis B virus, HIV infection, mumps virus) R (rubella) - rubella C (cytomegalovirus, CMV) – cytomegalovirus (CMV) H(herpes simplex virus, HSV) - herpes simplex virus (HSV)

Why are TORCH infections dangerous?

Toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes are especially dangerous if infection occurs during pregnancy. These four infections penetrate the placenta into the fetus and can lead to missed abortion, miscarriage, intrauterine fetal death, or serious developmental abnormalities in the unborn child.

Why do you need a blood test for TORCH infection?

A blood test for TORCH infection allows you to determine whether a woman has immunity to these diseases. This is very important at the stage of pregnancy planning or in the early stages of an already established pregnancy.

Depending on the results of the examination for TORCH infection, the doctor tells whether the woman needs vaccination, gives recommendations on planning pregnancy and on preventing these diseases if pregnancy has already occurred.

Thanks to the timely diagnosis of torque infections, it was possible to significantly reduce the frequency of births of children with developmental anomalies caused by these diseases.

Who needs to be tested for TORCH infection?

Currently, screening for TORCH infection is not included in the list of mandatory medical examinations when planning pregnancy and in the early stages of pregnancy. A doctor can prescribe this examination only if he suspects the presence of torch complex diseases.

However, most experts are of the opinion that it is advisable for every woman planning a pregnancy to take a blood test for TORCH infection, even if she is in good health and has no signs of infection.

If pregnancy has already occurred, screening can be done before the 12th week of pregnancy. This study is very important, since the listed diseases can be asymptomatic, unnoticeably leading to severe malformations in the fetus.

How is the test for TORCH infections performed?

Diagnosis of the TORCH complex of infections includes several blood tests:

• Blood test for IgG and IgM antibodies to toxoplasmosis
• Blood test for IgG and IgM antibodies to rubella
• Blood test for IgG and IgM antibodies to cytomegalovirus
• Blood test for IgG and IgM antibodies to herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2

Taking blood for analysis is no different from regular blood taking from a vein. It is recommended to take the test on an empty stomach.

How to decipher the test results for TORCH infections?

The results of the analysis for TORCH infection are deciphered by the attending physician. If you are waiting a long time to see your doctor, and you can’t wait to find out if everything is normal, you can use the data presented below.

Antibodies to toxoplasmosis

Once you receive your test results for toxoplasmosis, you may encounter one of the following 4 options:

• IgM antibodies to toxoplasma - negative

This means that your body has never encountered Toxoplasma, which means you have no immunity to this disease. You can plan a pregnancy, but during pregnancy you must strictly follow everything.

If you are pregnant:

Your body has never encountered toxoplasma, which means you have no immunity to this infection. You are currently healthy, but if Toxoplasma infection occurs during pregnancy, it can lead to serious consequences for the unborn child. You need to follow everything to avoid infection during pregnancy.

Since toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can be asymptomatic, doctors recommend repeated tests for antibodies to toxoplasma every month throughout pregnancy (if this is not possible, then at least once in each trimester of pregnancy).

• IgM antibodies to toxoplasma – negative

If you are not yet pregnant but are planning to become pregnant:

This means that you have had toxoplasmosis before and are immune to this disease. You can plan a pregnancy. Toxoplasma does not pose any threat to the unborn child.

If you are pregnant:

up to 18 weeks, this means that you became infected before pregnancy and this infection does not threaten your unborn child.

If you took this test for the first time during pregnancy 18 weeks or more, then there is a small risk that infection occurred in early pregnancy. To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe an additional examination - an analysis for the avidity of antibodies to Toxoplasma.

If avidity is high, it means that you were infected with toxoplasmosis a long time ago, and this infection does not pose a threat to the unborn child. Low or moderate avidity of antibodies to Toxoplasma during pregnancy may indicate that the infection has occurred recently and there is a potential risk of transmitting this infection to the fetus. Cm.

• IgG antibodies to toxoplasma – negative

If you are not yet pregnant but are planning to become pregnant:

This means that you were infected with toxoplasmosis quite recently, and you do not yet have strong immunity. Most experts are of the opinion that in this situation it is better to postpone pregnancy for at least 6 months. If you do not have any symptoms of toxoplasmosis, you do not need treatment. If you feel unwell or have cold symptoms, you should consult an infectious disease doctor.

If you are pregnant:

IgM antibodies to toxoplasma during pregnancy may indicate that the infection occurred quite recently (no more than 1-3 weeks ago). To exclude the possibility of false-positive results, it is recommended to take a blood test for antibodies again after 1-3 weeks. If infection really took place, then not only IgM, but also IgG should appear in the re-analysis. Cm.

• IgG antibodies to toxoplasma – positive
• IgM antibodies to toxoplasma - positive

If you are not yet pregnant but are planning to become pregnant:

This means that you were recently infected with toxoplasmosis (2-6 months ago). It is better for you to postpone planning a pregnancy for a while (usually, it is recommended to postpone pregnancy for at least 6 months). If you do not have any symptoms of toxoplasmosis, you do not need treatment. If you feel unwell or have cold symptoms, you should consult an infectious disease doctor.

If you are pregnant:

The presence of IgG and IgM antibodies to toxoplasma during pregnancy may indicate a recent infection that is dangerous for the unborn child. To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe an additional examination - an analysis of the avidity of IgG antibodies to toxoplasma.

High avidity of antibodies to toxoplasma during pregnancy indicates that the infection occurred a long time ago and the fetus is most likely not in danger. Low and medium avidity of antibodies indicates that infection with toxoplasmosis occurred in the last 12-18 weeks, and this can be dangerous for the unborn child. Cm.

Antibodies to rubella

Once you receive your rubella test results, you may see one of the following 4 options:

If you are not yet pregnant but are planning to become pregnant:

This means you are not immune to rubella and the disease can be dangerous to your unborn baby if you get it during pregnancy. You need to make and delay pregnancy for 1-3 months.

If you are pregnant:

You are not immune to rubella, but you are currently healthy. Rubella is not a threat to your unborn baby if you avoid getting it during pregnancy. Since the rubella vaccine cannot be given during pregnancy, you must strictly follow everything.

• IgM antibodies to rubella virus - negative

If you are not yet pregnant but are planning to become pregnant:

This means that you are immune to rubella and can begin planning your pregnancy. This infection does not pose a threat to the unborn child.

If you are pregnant:

You are immune to rubella and the infection most likely does not pose a threat to your unborn baby. To make sure everything is okay, your doctor may recommend an additional test - a rubella IgG antibody avidity test.

High avidity indicates that the infection occurred a long time ago and rubella is not dangerous. Low rubella antibody avidity during pregnancy may indicate recent infection. Cm.

• IgG antibodies to rubella virus – negative

If you are not yet pregnant but are planning to become pregnant:

This means that you were recently infected with rubella. It is better for you to postpone planning a pregnancy for a while and seek help from an infectious disease doctor.

If you are pregnant:

If you have a positive IgM for rubella during pregnancy, it means that you have recently become infected, and the risk of transmitting this infection to the fetus is quite high. Cm.

• IgG antibodies to rubella virus – positive
• IgM antibodies to rubella virus - positive

If you are not yet pregnant but are planning to become pregnant:

This means that you were recently infected with rubella (2-6 months ago). It is better for you to postpone planning a pregnancy for a while and seek help from an infectious disease doctor.

If you are pregnant:

Positive IgG and IgM antibodies to rubella during pregnancy indicate a recent infection, which is fraught with consequences for the unborn child. Cm.

Antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV)

After receiving the results of your cytomegalovirus test, you may encounter one of the following 4 options:

• IgM antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV, CMV) - negative

If you are not yet pregnant but are planning to become pregnant:

This means that you are not immune to cytomegalovirus and the disease can be dangerous if you become infected during pregnancy. You must strictly follow all recommendations for the prevention of cytomegalovirus infection. Cm.

If you are pregnant:

You are not immune to cytomegalovirus and are currently healthy. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) does not harm your unborn baby if you avoid infection during pregnancy. During the 9 months of pregnancy, you must strictly follow everything.

Since cytomegalovirus can be asymptomatic during pregnancy, doctors recommend repeat tests for CMV every 1-2 months throughout pregnancy.

• IgG antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV) – positive
• IgM antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV) - negative

If you are not yet pregnant but are planning to become pregnant:

This means that you are immune to cytomegalovirus and can begin planning your pregnancy. Cytomegalovirus does not pose a threat to the unborn child.

If you are pregnant:

If you took this test while pregnant up to 12 weeks(in the first trimester of pregnancy), then the unborn child is not in danger. You are infected with cytomegalovirus, but your immune system keeps the infection under control and the risk of infecting the fetus is extremely low.

If this is your first time taking this test after 12 weeks pregnancy (in the second or third trimester), your doctor will recommend an additional test - an avidity test for IgG antibodies to CMV.

High avidity of antibodies to cytomegalovirus during pregnancy means that the infection occurred a long time ago, and the unborn child is most likely not in danger. Low or intermediate antibody avidity may indicate that infection occurred in the last 18-20 weeks, which means there is a potential risk of transmission of this infection to the fetus. Cm.

• IgG antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV) – negative
• IgM antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV) – positive

If you are not yet pregnant but are planning to become pregnant:

This means that you were infected with cytomegalovirus very recently (no more than 2 months ago). It is better for you to postpone planning a pregnancy for a while and seek help from an infectious disease doctor. Cm.

If you are pregnant:

The appearance of IgM antibodies to cytomegalovirus in the blood of a pregnant woman indicates a recent infection, which can be dangerous for the unborn child. Cm.

• IgG antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV) – positive
• IgM antibodies to cytomegalovirus (CMV) - positive

If you are not yet pregnant but are planning to become pregnant:

This means that you became infected with cytomegalovirus recently (2-5 months ago), or you became infected a long time ago, but the cytomegalovirus has now been activated. It is better for you to postpone planning a pregnancy for a while and seek help from an infectious disease doctor.

If you are pregnant:

Positive IgG and IgM antibodies to cytomegalovirus during pregnancy may indicate either a recent infection or that the infection occurred a long time ago, but CMV has now been activated. To clarify how high the risk of transmitting CMV to an unborn child is, the doctor will prescribe an additional examination - an analysis of the avidity of IgG antibodies to cytomegalovirus.

The high avidity of antibodies to cytomegalovirus during pregnancy means that the infection occurred a long time ago and the risk that the virus will penetrate the fetus’s body is extremely small. Low or intermediate antibody avidity during pregnancy may indicate that infection has occurred recently and the risk of transmission to the fetus is quite high. Cm.

Antibodies to herpes simplex virus (HSV)

Once you receive your herpes test results, you may see one of the following 4 options:

If you are not yet pregnant but are planning to become pregnant:

This means that you are not immune to the herpes virus and the disease can be dangerous if you contract it during pregnancy. You can plan a pregnancy, but during pregnancy you must strictly follow everything.

If you are pregnant:

Your body has never encountered the herpes simplex virus and you have no immunity to this virus. You are currently healthy and herpes does not pose a threat to your unborn baby unless you become infected with herpes during pregnancy. To avoid infection, follow.

• IgM antibodies to herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV 1/2 or HSV 1/2) - negative

If you are not yet pregnant but are planning to become pregnant:

This means that you are immune to the herpes virus and can begin planning your pregnancy. The risk that herpes is activated during pregnancy and enters the fetus's body exists, but it is very small.

If you are pregnant:

You are infected with the herpes virus and you have immunity against this infection. There is a risk that the virus will enter the fetus during pregnancy, but it does not exceed 3%.

If you develop symptoms of herpes (rashes on the lips or genitals) during pregnancy, contact your doctor immediately. Cm.

• IgG antibodies to herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV 1/2 or HSV 1/2) - negative

If you are not yet pregnant but are planning to become pregnant:

This means that you became infected with herpes very recently (no more than 4-6 weeks ago). It is better for you to postpone planning a pregnancy for a while and seek help from an infectious disease doctor.

If you are pregnant:

Positive IgM for herpes during pregnancy may indicate a recent infection that is dangerous for the unborn child. To exclude the possibility of false-positive results, it is recommended to repeat the antibody test after 1-2 weeks. Cm.

• IgG antibodies to herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV 1/2 or HSV 1/2) - positive
• IgM antibodies to herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV 1/2 or HSV 1/2) - positive

If you are not yet pregnant but are planning to become pregnant:

This means that you became infected with herpes recently (1.5-5 months ago), or you became infected a long time ago, but at the moment the infection has become active. It is better for you to postpone planning a pregnancy for a while and seek help from an infectious disease doctor.

If you are pregnant:

Positive IgG and IgM antibodies to herpes during pregnancy may indicate either a recent infection, or that the infection occurred a long time ago, but the infection has now become active. Your doctor may recommend antiviral treatment. Cm.