TORCH Infections: Syndrome, Causes, Risks & Treatment - ASLPclick

TORCH  infection

Ø TORCH syndrome or infection refers to infection of a developing fetus or new-born by any of infections agents.

“TORCH” is an acronym meaning:-

T     -    Toxoplasmosis

O     -    Other agents (HIV, Syphilis, Chickenpox & Zika)

R     -    Rubella (also known as German Measles)

C     -    Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

H     -    Herps Simplex Virus (HSV)

Ø Infection with any of these agents may causes a constellation of similar symptoms in affected new-borns. These may include fever, difficulties in feeding, enlargement of liver and spleen.

Ø Each infections agent may also result in additional abnormalities that may be variable, depending upon a number of factors.

Ø How Does New-Born Child Get a Torch Infection –

New-born can get a TORCH infection in three ways : 

• Through the Placenta : Certain diseases are carries through your bloodstream to your baby’s blood through the placenta during pregnancy. The placenta provides your baby with oxygen, nutrients and blood.
• During Child Birth : Baby can catch a TORCH infection while passing through the birth canal during a vaginal birth.After Birth : Infection can pass through breastmilk if your are breast-feeding (Chest feeding) to child.

Ø Sign & Symptoms –

-      Miscarrige

-      Delay fetal growth

-      Fever

-      Jaundice

-      Low birth weight

-      Trouble in feeding

-      Muscle weakness

-      Small red or brown spots (purpura)

-      Hepatosplenomegaly (enlarged liver)

-      Microcephaly (small head)

-      Cataracts

After age 2, sign of TORCH infections may include:

-      Hearing problem

-      Vision problem

-      Seizures

-      Learning disabilities

-      Mental disabilities

Ø Cause of TORCH Infection/Syndrome –

        1.  Toxoplasmosis :-

                Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite. You can get it from eating undercooked meats or from being exposed to cat feces.

        2.  Other Agents/Infections :-

             The “O” in TORCH stands for other and includes a group of diseases.

·        HIV: A virus spread through sexual contact or direct contact with HIV-infected blood (like from sharing needles). Most HIV infections in children occurs in the third trimester, during of after delivery when birthing parent isn’t on the appropriate medications.

·        Syphilis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by bacteria. You can get it from direct contact with syphilis sores during anal, vaginal or oral sex. Congenital syphilis is on the rise and babies are getting the infection in the birth canal.

·        Chicken-pox: A highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). In most cases, getting chickenpox once in your lifetime (usually as a child) or getting vaccinated against the disease gives your immunity for life.

·        Zika Virus: A virus spread by an infected mosquito in areas where the virus an infected person.

         3.  Rubella (German Measles) :-

             Most pregnant people are vaccinated against rubella, so this disease is rare. However, if you didn’t get the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps & rubella) as a child & rare considering getting pregnant in the future, you should talk to your healthcare provider about getting the vaccine.

        4.  Cytomegalovirus (CMV) :-

            CMV is a type of herpes virus. It’s spread through saliva & other bodily fluids. Most adults will have CMV & never know because their immune system fights it. However, developing babies & new-borns don’t have the immunity to fight CMV. Once you have CMV, it stay in your system for life, but your immune system suppresses it.

       5.  Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) :-

             Herpes is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection. There are two type of HSV infection : HSV-1 (oral & genital) & HSV-2 (mostly genital). It’s most commonly spread through sexual or direct contact with an infected person. HSV most commonly infects a new-born during a vaginal childbirth, so it’s important to disease an HSV diagnosis childbirth, healthcare provider during pragenancy.

Ø Prevention –

                     - Avoid contact with people who are sick

                     - Wash your hand often

                     - Don’t share drink or utensils with other people

                     - Eat fully cooked meat & eggs

                     - Have someone else clean litter boxes during pregnancy 

                     - Wear condoms during sex

                     - Get tested for STIs before pregnancy

                     - Avoid travelling to parts of the world where certain    

                         infection diseases are prevent 

Ø Diagnosis & Tests –

·        During Pregnancy :

        -  TORCH infections are diagnosed through blood tests, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests and viral cultures. A viral culture is when your healthcare provider takes a sample of fluid, cells or tissue from your body and tests it for infectious diseases. Common areas include saliva from your mouth, mucus from your nose, blood, pee, amniotic fluid or fluid from a skin rash or sore. PCR tests work by detecting the genetic material of a virus in a fluid sample.

      - Some congenital disorders, growth problems or issues with major organ development can be seen on prenatal ultrasound and diagnosed before birth.

·        In New Borns :

        - After you’ve been diagnosed with a TORCH infection, your healthcare provider will take steps to identify a TORCH infection in your baby. Not all TORCH infections are passed to your baby during pregnancy, and just because you have an infection doesn’t mean your baby will get it.

- Healthcare providers diagnose TORCH infection in newborns:

• During a physical exam at birth.
• After evaluating your baby's symptoms.
• With ultrasound or other imaging tools during pregnancy.

- Healthcare providers use the same tests to diagnose TORCH infections in newborns as they do for adults. Your child's healthcare provider may take a small blood sample from their heel or finger or obtain a fluid sample to test for viral infections.

- Additional tests like computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help identify complications or side effects of TORCH infections.

Ø Treatment & Management –

- Treatment for TORCH infections depends on the disease, when the infection occurred and the severity of symptoms. It may include antibiotics, antiparasitics or antiviral medications. Some TORCH infections are viruses and don't have treatment other than rest and hydration.

- If you're diagnosed with a TORCH infection, your provider will monitor your pregnancy and consult with maternal-fetal medicine specialists. Depending on the condition, your baby may need immediate medical attention or care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at birth.

- Talk to your healthcare provider if you're breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed and have one of the TORCH infections during pregnancy.