Seroprevalance of ToRCH Infection –A Laboratory Profile

Abstract

Background: ToRCH infection ( Toxoplasma gondii , Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex virus) causes severe consequences in child in ongoing pregnancy. Screening for ToRCH etiologies are sought for those females who have had bad obstetrics history and in children born with birth defects. Such screening helps the couple and the clinicians to develop a consensus for preparedness of adverse fetal outcome, future prevention and planning for next conception. Objectives : This retrospective study was conducted to have an understanding on the burden of ToRCH infection in various clinically suspected cases encountered in BPKIHS. Methods :  Laboratory record of 52 serum samples submitted from August 2012 to July 2013 for screening of ToRCH infections was analyzed. Result : Among 52 adult female serums, most (50) were positive for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgG, but none were reactive for Rubella IgM. Both IgG and IgM were positive for CMV in 10 cases, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) in 1 case and Toxoplasma in 1 case. Conclusion : This study shows, CMV as the most common and Toxoplasma as the least common etiology among the ToRCH profile, in our setup.