TORCH infections

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TORCH infections are a group of infections that can lead to birth defects. TORCH is an acronym.

The infectious agents are:

(T) – Toxoplasmosis
(O) – Other agents, especially syphilis, but also hepatitis B, coxsackie virus, Epstein-Barr virus, varicella-zoster virus, and human parvovirus
(R) – Rubella
(C) – Cytomegalovirus
(H) – Herpes simplex virus

1 Features
2 Diagnosis
3 Treatment and Prevention
4 Prognosis

[edit] Features

Symptoms of a TORCH infection may include fever and poor feeding. The newborn is often small for gestational age. A petechial rash on the skin may be present, with small reddish or purplish spots due to bleeding from capillaries under the skin. An enlarged liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly) is common, as is the yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes called jaundice. Hearing impairment, eye problems, mental retardation, autism, and death can be caused by TORCH infections.

[edit] Diagnosis

When physical examination of the newborn shows signs of the TORCH syndrome, the examiner may test blood, urine, and spinal fluid for evidence of the infections listed above.

[edit] Treatment and Prevention

Some of the TORCH infections, such as toxoplasmosis and syphilis, can be effectively treated with antibiotics if the mother is diagnosed early in her pregnancy. Many of the viral TORCH infections have no effective treatment. However, some viral infections, notably rubella and varicella-zoster, can be prevented by vaccinating the mother prior to pregnancy. If the mother has active herpes simplex, delivery by Caesarean section can prevent the newborn from contact, and consequent infection, with this virus.

[edit] Prognosis

Each type of TORCH infection has a different prognosis. The stage of the pregnancy at the time of infection also can change the effect on the newborn.