Contents
ToRCH-infections
– a group of infectious diseases, the main distinguishing feature of which is the lifelong low- or asymptomatic presence in the body of an infected person and the high risk of developing fetal pathology during primary infection of a pregnant woman.
What is TORCH infection
Toxoplasmosis (toxoplasmosis), Rubella (rubella), Cytomegalovirus (cytomegalovirus infection) and Herpes simplex virus (infection caused by the herpes simplex virus). Any of the listed pathogens is especially dangerous for a person who has reduced reserves of immune resistance.
Risk groups can be identified:
- pregnant women,
- newborns with intrauterine infection,
- HIV-infected,
- recipients of organs and tissues,
- patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy for malignant and systemic diseases.
Tests for TORCH infections
Particularly important in the diagnosis of ToRCH infections is the identification of primary infection and reactivation of an existing infection. For example, the incidence of intrauterine infection of the fetus in the case of primary infection during pregnancy exceeds 50%.
Another feature of ToRCH infections is the difficulty of interpreting the results of a conventional serological test of antibodies in the blood, when the presence of immunoglobulins class M (IgM) is not a reliable and sufficient sign to determine the stage of the disease. This makes it difficult to differentiate a primary infection from reinfection (that is, reinfection) or reactivation of the infectious process.
TORCH infections during pregnancy
Considering the above, it is necessary to conclude: when planning a pregnancy, it is necessary to be examined for the presence of ToRCH infections and consult a gynecologist on the results of the analysis.
If the test shows a negative result for one of the components of the ToRCH complex, re-examination is necessary during pregnancy. If during pregnancy a primary infection with one of the above infectious agents is detected, then it is necessary to conduct a thorough perinatal diagnosis of the fetus to exclude congenital malformations and prevent intrauterine infection.
As for infection with the herpes simplex virus, it is necessary not only to determine the presence of protective immunity in a woman, but also to type a specific variant of the virus (1 or 2) in both partners, since in the presence of infection with one variant of the herpes virus, superinfection with another is possible. You can take the ToRCH complex test at the Prima Medica network of medical clinics. Production time is 3-5 days.