The TORCH panel is used to screen for four infectious diseases that can cause birth defects in a baby if the mother contracts them during the pregnancy. The tests that make up the panel are for rubella, toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV). The rubella test is more commonly ordered individually, either before or in early pregnancy. The complete TORCH panel is less commonly ordered since more specific and sensitive tests to detect these infections are available.

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by a parasite found in undercooked meat from an infected animal, exposure to cat feces (where the parasite egg is frequently found), or from soil (such as gardening soil) contaminated by the parasite. A woman who becomes infected during pregnancy may develop swollen lymph nodes, fatigue and flu-like symptoms. Fetuses infected during early gestation are more adversely affected than if exposed later in the pregnancy. Newborns infected with toxoplasmosis may appear normal at birth, but, as the baby becomes older, may develop vision or hearing loss, display learning disabilities, mental retardation, or seizures. Severe cases may result in death.

Diagnosis of this condition can be difficult. A test for toxoplasmosis detects the antibodies that are produced after exposure to the parasite; however, a positive result does not distinguish between current or prior parasite infections. If a woman tests positive prior to conception, her test should be repeated in a few weeks to see if the amount of antibody is increasing, indicating a current infection needing treatment. If the amount remains the same, then the antibodies are most likely due to a previous infection. Women who test positive should consult with their doctor on the right amount of time to wait before becoming pregnant. A negative toxoplasmosis test means either there is not a current infection or that the amount of antibody produced is not yet sufficient to be detected.

If the woman is in frequent contact with a cat, but does not yet have a positive test for toxoplasmosis, the health care provider may recommend that she either avoid or use gloves and care when handling cat wastes and be tested for antibodies one or more additional times during the pregnancy. If a woman becomes infected during her pregnancy, she usually will be treated with a medication to help decrease the likelihood that the infection is passed on to her fetus.

Cytomegalovirus is a viral infection that the mother may pass to the fetus during the birth process but that can also infect newborns through breast milk. Infected infants may have severe problems, such as hearing loss, mental retardation, pneumonia, hepatitis, or blood disorders.

Herpes simplex virus is a common viral infection that manifests as sores on either the lips or genitals. Newborns who contract the virus usually do so during travel through the birth canal of a woman who has a genital infection with HSV. The virus may spread throughout the newborn’s body, attacking vital organs. Treatment with specific antiviral medication should begin as soon as possible in the infected newborn. Even if treated, surviving babies may have permanent damage to the central nervous system.

Related Pages
Tests: Rubella, CMV, Herpes Simplex Virus