TORCH-13 Profile Test in Kolkata

Toxoplasma, Rubella, CMV and Herpes are able to pass from mother to child via placenta and cause congenital defects in foetus and may lead to loss of pregnancy. TORCH test is usually performed on the 1st prenatal visit &  later during pregnancy if clinical condition demands to screen for above pathogens. TORCH-13 is a group of tests to detect presence of past or recent infections by i.e., Toxoplasma(T), Rubella(R), Cytomegalovirus(C), Herpes Simplex (H) virus 1 & 2 by detecting IgG & IgM antibodies against them.
In addition, if IgG antibodies are detected against  Toxoplasma, Rubella & CMV then avid antibodies testing is done.

Through the placenta, Toxoplasma, Others (Syphilis, Hepatitis B), Rubella, CMV, and Herpes can be transmitted from mother to kid. The foetus suffers congenital abnormalities as a result. Pregnancy loss could result from this. TORCH testing is often done during the first prenatal appointment. Additionally, it is carried out later in pregnancy. If the clinical condition necessitates testing for the aforementioned infections, this is done.

A series of tests is called TORCH-13. Toxoplasma (T), Rubella (R), Cytomegalovirus (C), and Herpes Simplex (H) viruses 1 and 2 are examples of recent or prior illnesses that can be found using this test. By looking for IgG and IgM antibodies directed against them, it is done. Additionally, avidity testing is conducted for Toxoplasma, Rubella, and CMV in appropriate cases.

Toxoplasma: This parasite infection is known as toxoplasmosis. Uncooked foods like raw milk and eggs are the main culprits. A miscarriage, eyesight loss, seizure disorder, hearing loss, or other birth problems in the foetus can all result from this illness.

Rubella: German measles is another name for rubella. If the virus affects the unborn child while she is still in the womb, it may result in birth defects such as cardiovascular diseases, heart defects, mental retardation, eyesight, hearing, and other problems.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV): Breast milk or the placenta during pregnancy are the two ways that CMV can spread to a kid. In neonates, it may result in epileptic convulsions, mental impairment, hearing difficulties, and other problems.

Herpes Simplex Viruses 1 and 2 (HSV 1 and 2): During delivery, the HSV can infect a newborn as it passes through the birth canal. Infections with HSV 1 and HSV 2 in newborns are typically highly serious. They impact important organs. They harm the central nervous system. They may cause epileptic seizures. They may also affect respiration. Even after antiviral therapy, they may remain.
 

Written by: Dr Vishal Wadhwa, M.D, D.N.B Microbiology, Medical Affairs