Serological profile of TORCH infection among antenatal women at a tertiary care center in North India

Abstract

TORCH group of pathogens is responsible for serious congenital infections, leading to fetal damage and other anomalies. A national screening program for TORCH infections does not exist in India. Serological data regarding for TORCH infections during pregnancy is not representative for India. Settings and Design: This prospective study was done over a period of one year at a tertiary care center in North India. We enrolled 419 pregnant women with bad obstetric history. Serological evaluation for TORCH infections was carried out by IgM Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) method. Statistical analysis used: Gaussian (z) test. Overall, 260 (62.1%) samples were negative for TORCH pathogens while 159 (37.9%) were positive. The IgM sero positivity to Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Herpes simplex virus (HSV-2)was 16.4%, 8.8%, 10.2% and 2.3% respectively. Maximum seropositivity was observed between 21-30 year age group. Out of the total positive cases, 6 (3.7%) were found to be coinfected. The maximum numbers of coinfection cases was 5 (83.3%) with Toxoplasma, followed by Rubella with one case (16.6%). TORCH epidemiology needs better understanding for development of new strategies for the prevention of congenital infections. New approaches to prevention and treatment of congenital TORCH infection are necessary, including antiviral interventions and the development of a vaccine strategy.