Know More about TORCH Infections
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TORCH infections (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus / CMV and herpes simplex) are a group of infections that can be passed from pregnant women to their babies. Pregnant women who have been infected with TORCH have a high risk of transmitting it to her fetus that can cause birth defects.
TORCH infection can only be proved by performing blood tests or screening. If the result is positive, or there is active infection, the doctor will recommend taking some form of diagnostic examination of amniotic fluid for examination in the laboratory.
Here are the types of TORCH infections:
1. Toxoplasmosis
The infection is transmitted by a parasite (protozoan parasite Toxoplasmosis gondii). The infection is transmitted from animal to human heat-bodied. These parasites enter the human body through food.
In the case of primary maternal infection occurs in pregnancy, the parasite can be transmitted from the placenta and cause fetal defects in the form of visual impairment or spontaneous miscarriage, although the percentage is small.
2. Rubella infection.
This infection is also known as German measles and often suffered by children. Rubella tri experienced in the first half of pregnancy 90 percent of causing blindness, deafness, heart abnormalities, mental retardation, and even miscarriage. In Germany, pregnant women are advised to not having contact with people who are sick with measles. To prevent this, women are advised to vaccinate rubella.
3. Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Cytomegalovirus is a herpes virus family. The virus is transmitted through sexual contact or during pregnancy. This infection can be fatal because it can cause birth defects in the fetus. Unfortunately there is no treatment that can prevent infection with this virus.
4. Herpes simplex
Herpes virus consists of 2 types, namely herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV 2). Transmission usually occurs in sexual contact in adults. HSV-1 also can be transmitted through social contacts in childhood. HSV-2 prevalence was higher in HIV-positive group and those who have sex without a condom.
