TORCH Test
Serological TORCH diagnostics
Infections caused by microorganisms always pose a danger to general and reproductive health, and in particular infections during pregnancy require special attention because infection may affect not only the mother but also the fetus. Transmission of infection from mother to child (vertical transmission) may occur during pregnancy, delivery and after birth, so we distinguish transplacental transmission (through the placenta), intrapartum transmission (during passage through the birth canal) and postpartum transmission (during breastfeeding).
The most important pathogens causing infections during pregnancy are covered by the abbreviation TORCH (Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus and Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2). The letter O in the abbreviation denotes less common pathogens such as Treponema pallidum, HIV, Varicella zoster virus, Parvovirus B19, hepatitis B virus…
Split
Dugopolje
Zadar
Šibenik
021 688 888
Zagreb
Varaždin
01 2099 880
Rijeka
051 309 309
The TORCH test includes:
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Infection caused by T. gondii is most often asymptomatic, or symptoms such as a slightly raised temperature, feeling unwell and lymphadenopathy occur in the acute phase. It is transmitted by dirty hands after contact with a cat or by consuming inadequately cooked meat. However, congenital toxoplasmosis occurs through transplacental transmission of the parasite during the mother’s primary infection. Infection occurring during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy usually results in miscarriage, while infection later in pregnancy causes brain and eye damage, jaundice, anaemia and hepatosplenomegaly in the fetus.
Rubella is a viral disease transmitted by droplets that presents as an acute infectious rash illness. Mother-to-child transmission occurs through the placenta, and the infection may result in miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or delivery at term. Symptoms of congenital rubella may appear after birth or even after several months, manifesting as damage to the heart, eyes, ears and other organ systems.
Cytomegalovirus is one of the most common causes of congenital infections. Infection of the fetus or newborn may occur during the mother’s primary or recurrent infection. Infection is transmitted through the placenta, passage through the birth canal and breastfeeding. The CMV virus can affect various organ systems and shows a particular affinity for the central nervous system.
Infections caused by HSV 1 (oral virus) and HSV 2 (genital virus) occur in the child during passage through the birth canal or through contact with the mother’s infected secretions. Infection in newborns manifests as skin changes (vesicles), eye diseases (keratoconjunctivitis) or brain diseases (microcephaly, hydrocephalus).
The TORCH test should be performed:
1.
before a planned pregnancy, particularly if the medical history contains information suggesting infection
2.
in cases of miscarriage, particularly in the first and second trimesters
3.
following a previous birth of a child with growth restriction or congenital anomalies
4.
if ultrasound has identified abnormalities of the fetus, amniotic fluid or placenta with suspected acute TORCH infection
Interpretation
At Poliklinika Analiza, a TORCH test can be performed on a blood sample to determine the type and quantity of antibodies to the listed pathogens. Test results are ready within 7 days.
A negative antibody result means that, at the time of testing, the woman has no infection and has not been in contact with the listed microorganisms during her lifetime.
A positive result may indicate the presence of IgM or IgG antibodies, where:
• positive IgM antibodies indicate current disease. In this case, the test should be repeated in 2 weeks, or additional specific tests should be performed before a final diagnosis is made
• positive IgG antibodies indicate previous disease or vaccination (rubella)
Depending on the medical history and indications from the doctor, Poliklinika Analiza can additionally test for other infections caused by hepatitis B virus, HIV, Epstein-Barr virus, varicella zoster virus and Treponema pallidum (syphilis).
Contact us for free consultations today
Rijeka
Zadar
The TORCH test costs 200 EUR / 1506,90 HRK
