Seroprevalence of TORCH Infections in Women with Spontaneous Abortions and Stillbirths

Leila Mohamed A. Abdelgader¹, Aya Osman Siddig Abdelgader¹, Elamin Mohamed Ibrahim², Waseem Sameer Kwami¹, Mosab Nouraldein Mohammed Hamad^3*

¹Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Shendi University, Sudan.

²Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan.

³Assistant professor, Microbiology department, Faculty of Medicine, Elsheikh Abdallah Elbadri University, Sudan.

Corresponding Email: mosab@eaeu.edu.sd

Abstract

TORCH infections, which include Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes Simplex Virus, are significant contributors to congenital infections worldwide. These infections, transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, can result in a wide range of severe outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, and congenital malformations. Even in cases where the mother is asymptomatic, TORCH infections can lead to lifelong disabilities in the affected newborns, such as hearing and vision loss, neurological deficits, and developmental delays. The urgency of early detection and management in reducing these severe outcomes cannot be overstated. Due to the ability of these pathogens to cross the placental barrier at any stage of gestation, early detection and management are crucial in reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality rates. Studies have shown that the prevalence of TORCH infections varies greatly depending on geographical, cultural, and socioeconomic factors, influencing exposure risks and healthcare access. For instance, undercooked meat consumption, poor sanitation, and low vaccination coverage contribute to higher seropositivity rates in certain regions. Seroprevalence studies indicate that while countries with solid healthcare systems and vaccination programs have managed to control certain infections like Rubella, others, such as Cytomegalovirus and Herpes Simplex Virus, continue to be a significant public health challenge, particularly in developing countries where screening and preventive measures may be limited. The increasing recognition of TORCH infections as a preventable cause of congenital disabilities underscores the need for enhanced screening, vaccination, and public health awareness efforts, particularly in resource-limited settings. This research highlights the importance of seroprevalence data in guiding public health strategies, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to prevent the adverse effects of TORCH infections on maternal and child health. The study concludes that comprehensive screening programs, vaccination efforts, and early diagnosis are essential in mitigating the global burden of congenital and perinatal infections caused by TORCH pathogens, and these measures must be implemented proactively.

KEYWORDS: TORCH, Pregnancy, Abortion, Stillbirth IgG, Seroprevalence