Transplacental Infections (STORCH) and Teratogens

Vocabulary terms and definitions identifying the pathogens, diseases, and categories included in the STORCH/TORCHeS complex regarding transplacental transmission.

Teratogens

Pathogens that can cross the placenta (transplacental transmission), resulting in in utero infections and congenital birth defects in neonates.

STORCH (or TORCH, TORCHeS)

An acronym for a list of diverse pathogens that cause transplacental infections: Syphilis, Toxoplasmosis, Other, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes.

Syphilis

A transplacental infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.

Toxoplasmosis

A transplacental infection caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii.

Zika disease

A viral infection caused by the Zika virus, categorized under the 'Other' group of STORCH pathogens.

Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV)

The virus responsible for causing Chickenpox (varicella) and Shingles (zoster).

Parvovirus B19 (B19V)

A viral pathogen that causes Fifth disease, also known as Erythema infectiosum.

Hepatitis B (Hep B)

A viral infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV).

AIDS

A syndrome caused by the Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Listeriosis

A bacterial transplacental infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes.

Chlamydia

A bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.

Rubella

Also known as German measles or 3-day measles, it is caused by the Rubivirus (or Rubella virus).

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

A viral pathogen also known as Human herpesvirus 5 (HHV-5) or Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV).

Herpes simplex virus Type 1 (HSV-1)

The viral pathogen responsible for causing cold sores, fever blisters, or oral herpes.

Herpes simplex virus Type 2 (HSV-2)

The viral pathogen responsible for causing genital herpes.