Analysis for TORCH infection: what is it, how to pass it, decoding
The content of the article:
- Indications for analysis and evaluation of the result
- Preparation for analysis
- Types of tests for TORCH infection
-
TORCH infections
- Toxoplasmosis
- Other infections
- Rubella
- Cytomegalovirus
- Herpes simplex virus
- Prevention of TORCH infections and their consequences
The analysis for TORCH infections (TORCH infections) is one of the laboratory tests that should be carried out with the correct planning of conception. This allows you to prevent the development of possible complications of pregnancy and significantly increases the likelihood of having a healthy baby.
TORCH infections are a group of infectious agents that can pose a significant threat to a pregnant woman and a developing fetus.
It is beneficial if TORCH infections are detected at the stage of pregnancy planning, in this case the risk to the future fetus can be minimized
The name of this group of diseases is formed from the initial letters of the English names of the main pathogens, which include: T - toxoplasma (Toxoplasma), O - other infections (others), R - rubella (Rubella virus), C - cytomegalovirus, H - herpes simplex virus (Herpes simplex virus).
Identifying an infection at the planning stage of conception reduces the likelihood of intrauterine infection of the fetus and the development of complications of pregnancy by more than 80%.
The infections that are part of the TORCH complex have a similar effect on the developing fetus. The greatest danger to the fetus is infection of the mother in early pregnancy, which can cause miscarriage and stillbirth, as well as the formation of severe fetal anomalies.
If a woman becomes infected with any of the TORCH infections in late pregnancy, the child often develops inflammatory diseases that can have a severe course, and premature birth is also possible.
A child born to a mother infected with one or more pathogens of the TORCH complex may have speech and thought disorders, movement disorders, mental retardation, microcephaly, hydrocephalus, inflammation of the choroid of the eye and retina, blindness, deafness, heart defects, skin lesions, disorders of the musculoskeletal system, etc.
TORCH infections can be transmitted from mother to child not only during intrauterine development and during childbirth, but also during breastfeeding.
Indications for analysis and evaluation of the result
The main indications for an analysis for TORCH infections are conception planning, pregnancy, determining the cause of miscarriage, and detecting infections in the fetus. Thus, in order to prevent the development of complications of pregnancy, as well as during the diagnosis of those that have already developed, it may be necessary to be tested for TORCH infections several times.
The appointment and interpretation of the analysis results is carried out by a specialist. A positive result obtained at the planning stage of conception allows the doctor to prescribe treatment; in this case, pregnancy is postponed until its complete completion. Self-medication or lack of treatment will aggravate the situation and can lead to undesirable consequences.
In the case of a positive test for TORCH infection in a pregnant woman and confirmation of a high risk of developing severe malformations in the fetus, termination of pregnancy may be recommended.
Preparation for analysis
Blood sampling is carried out in the morning on an empty stomach (after an overnight fast for 8-12 hours). Before testing, it is permissible to drink a small amount of water.
On the eve of the test, it is necessary to avoid physical, psycho-emotional, nutritional stress, to refuse the use of fatty, smoked, fried foods, alcohol. In the case of taking medications, before taking the tests, it is necessary to check with the doctor whether the drug should be canceled before the study.
If the material for research is taken from the genital tract, sexual contacts must be excluded for 1-2 days before the analysis, the day before, vaginal suppositories, ointments, and douching cannot be used.
Types of tests for TORCH infection
The most common laboratory diagnostic methods used to test for TORCH infections are polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). By means of PCR, it is possible to identify infectious agents (DNA and RNA of infectious agents) already at a fairly early stage of the disease, when other methods may still show a negative result. For research, blood, discharge from the genitals, urine can be used.
To determine the antibodies that are produced by the human body in response to the introduction of an infectious agent, ELISA is used. Usually, the determination of IgG and IgM to the main pathogens of the TORCH complex is required. In this case, venous blood is examined.
TORCH infections
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasma is an intracellular parasite, the main host of which are representatives of the feline family. Infection occurs when a person comes into contact with cats, when eating meat or eggs that have not been sufficiently heat treated, as well as through contaminated water.
Toxoplasmosis infection can occur through contact with street cats
Acquired toxoplasmosis is usually asymptomatic and does not require treatment, but it poses a threat to pregnant women and HIV-infected people. In the case of a primary infection of a woman during pregnancy (especially in the first trimester), the fetus usually dies due to malformations caused by the disease, incompatible with life, in addition, the child may be born with severe malformations. If a woman is infected at a later date, there is a high probability of premature birth, as well as infection of the fetus.
Other infections
Other infections (others) that are included in the TORCH-complex include viral hepatitis B and C, syphilis, chlamydia, listeriosis, chickenpox, HIV, etc. in the event of an exacerbation of the disease during this period) causes the risk of infection of the child while passing through the birth canal and during breastfeeding.
Rubella
Rubella is an acute infectious disease of viral etiology, which belongs to childhood infections and can have a typical, erased or asymptomatic course. Transmission of infection occurs by airborne droplets, as well as transplacentally (from the infected mother to the fetus). Most often, the disease is recorded in children under 7 years of age.
When infected during pregnancy, there is a high risk of the formation of multiple malformations in the fetus - if a woman is infected in the first trimester of pregnancy, the probability of this reaches almost 90%, in the second trimester - 75%, and in the third trimester - 50%. 15% of patients infected with rubella during pregnancy have miscarriages or stillbirth.
Cytomegalovirus
DNA virus, which is carried by about 90% of the population. Cytomegalovirus is found in blood, urine, secretions from the genital tract, ejaculate. It is transmitted by fecal-oral, contact, airborne droplets. Infection with cytomegalovirus during gestation is one of the main causes of miscarriage, premature birth, and the birth of children with severe malformations.
Herpes simplex virus
A widespread virus (95% of the adult population is infected), which is divided into two types (types 1 and 2). Type 1 virus often causes lesions of the lips, face, neck, but it can also spread to the mucous membrane of the genital organs. The causative agent of genital herpes can be either type 1 or type 2, but more often genital lesions are caused by type 2. Infection occurs even if the sick person does not have external signs of the disease. Genital herpes is spread through sexual contact with an infected person. Clinical signs of herpes infection appear with a decrease in immunity (with a significant deterioration in immunity, internal organs can also be affected). The disease is characterized by a chronic course with a tendency to relapse.
The causative agent of herpes simplex is most easily transmitted through contact with damaged tissues and through sexual contact. With primary infection during pregnancy, the risk of miscarriage, congenital malformations of the child, including liver and brain damage, increases significantly. The risk of intrauterine infection is estimated at 75%.
An exacerbation of genital herpes a month before childbirth may be an indication for a caesarean section. In case of infection with herpes while passing through the birth canal, the risk of death of the child at an early age increases, as well as the development of lesions of the nervous system, including the visual analyzer. The risk of infection persists even if a woman has no symptoms of genital herpes during childbirth.
Prevention of TORCH infections and their consequences
Adequate preventive measures make it possible to significantly reduce the likelihood of primary infection with TORCH infections during pregnancy.
If a woman does not have immunity to rubella at the stage of conception planning, it is recommended to vaccinate several months before the expected pregnancy. Vaccination against hepatitis B is also recommended. From the moment it is carried out to conception, ideally, at least six months should pass.
Vaccination against rubella and hepatitis B provides reliable protection against these TORCH infections
In order to prevent cytomegalovirus infection, contact with patients should be avoided, and immunity should be increased.
Prevention of sexually transmitted infections consists in avoiding unprotected sex with an unverified partner.
In order to prevent toxoplasmosis, you should thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables, eat only those products of animal origin that have undergone sufficient heat treatment, avoid contact with street cats, use rubber gloves when working with the soil in the garden and vegetable garden.
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Anna Aksenova Medical journalist About the author
Education: 2004-2007 "First Kiev Medical College" specialty "Laboratory Diagnostics".
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