TORCH Infections

TORCH infections classically comprise toxoplasmosis , Treponema pallidum , rubella , cytomegalovirus , herpesvirus , hepatitis viruses , human immunodeficiency virus, and other infections, such as varicella, parvovirus B19, and enteroviruses . The epidemiology of these infections varies; in low-income and middle-income countries, TORCH infections are major contributors to prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal morbidity and mortality. Evidence of infection may be seen at birth , in infancy, or years later. For many of these pathogens , treatment or prevention strategies are available. Early recognition, including prenatal screening , is key. This article covers toxoplasmosis, parvovirus B19, syphilis , rubella, hepatitis B virus , hepatitis C virus, and human immunodeficiency virus.