TORCH Infections EXPLAINED | Toxoplasmosis, CMV, Rubella, HSV-2

TORCH infections

An acronym for a group of diseases (Toxoplasmosis, Other, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex Virus) that may cause congenital conditions if a fetus is exposed.

Toxoplasmosis

A disease caused by a protozoan parasite, leading to conditions like chorioretinitis and hydrocephalus in infants.

Chorioretinitis

Inflammation of the retina and choroid of the eye, often associated with Toxoplasmosis.

Congenital Rubella Syndrome

Condition in infants characterized by congenital cataracts, cochlear defects, and cardiac abnormalities due to maternal Rubella infection.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

The most common congenital viral infection, often leading to periventricular calcifications and hearing loss.

Blueberry muffin rash

A skin rash seen in infants with certain congenital infections, indicating extra-medullary hematopoiesis.

Hydrocephalus

An enlargement of the ventricles in the brain, often seen in cases of congenital Toxoplasmosis.

Meningoencephalitis

An inflammation of the brain and its surrounding membranes, associated with Herpes Simplex Virus infection.

Hepatomegaly

Enlargement of the liver, often a non-specific finding in congenital infections.

Intracerebral calcifications

Calcifications within the brain, commonly seen in congenital Toxoplasmosis and CMV.

Dew drops on a rose petal

A classical description of herpetic lesions associated with Herpes Simplex Virus.