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TORCH infections in pregnancy are a group of maternal infections that can cross the placenta and cause serious fetal and neonatal complications. What does TORCH stand for? T – Toxoplasmosis O – Other (commonly Syphilis, also Varicella-zoster, Parvovirus B19, HIV) R – Rubella C – Cytomegalovirus (CMV) H – Herpes simplex virus (HSV) Individual infections and complications 1. Toxoplasmosis Cause: Toxoplasma gondii Transmission: Undercooked meat, cat feces Fetal complications: Chorioretinitis (eye damage) Hydrocephalus Intracranial calcifications Seizures Miscarriage or stillbirth 2. Other Syphilis Cause: Treponema pallidum Fetal/neonatal complications: Stillbirth Preterm birth Congenital syphilis Hepatosplenomegaly Bone deformities Deafness Varicella-Zoster (Chickenpox) Limb hypoplasia Eye and brain damage Skin scarring Parvovirus B19 Severe fetal anemia Hydrops fetalis Fetal death 3. Rubella Transmission: Respiratory droplets Major risk: First trimester Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS): Cataracts Deafness Congenital heart defects (e.g., PDA) Microcephaly Growth restriction 4. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Most common congenital viral infection Complications: Sensorineural hearing loss Microcephaly Seizures Periventricular calcifications Developmental delay 5. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Transmission: Usually during delivery Neonatal complications: Skin, eye, mouth disease Encephalitis Disseminated infection (high mortality) General complications of TORCH infections Miscarriage Stillbirth Preterm labor Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) Congenital anomalies Neurodevelopmental delay Vision and hearing loss Prevention Proper hand hygiene Avoid undercooked meat Avoid contact with cat litter during pregnancy Routine antenatal screening Rubella vaccination before pregnancy Safe sexual practices