TORCH Infections in Pregnancy

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Questions and Answers

What type of virus is Cytomegalovirus?

DNA virus (correct)

Bacteria

Protozoa

RNA virus

What is the classic triad of congenital toxoplasmosis in the fetus?

Scars in a dermatomal pattern, microcephaly, and hydrocephalus

Maculopapular rash, runny nose, and jaundice

Microcephaly, hydrocephalus, and seizures

Hydrocephalus, chorioretinitis, and intracranial calcifications (correct)

How is Toxoplasma gondii commonly transmitted to humans?

Through contaminated food and water

Through respiratory droplets

Through ingested oocysts from contaminated soil or meat (correct)

Through skin-skin contact

What is the name of the virus that causes chickenpox and herpes zoster?

Varicella Zoster Virus Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of Parvovirus B19 on the fetus?

It infects red cell progenitors, leading to anemia Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the disease caused by Treponema pallidum?

Syphilis Signup and view all the answers

What is the treatment for congenital toxoplasmosis?

Pyrimethamine + sulfadiazine + leucovorin Signup and view all the answers

How is Congenital Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) primarily transmitted to the fetus?

Through the birth canal during delivery Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the virus that causes rubella?

Rubella RNA virus Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of Cytomegalovirus on the fetus?

It causes hearing loss and mental retardation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of congenital deafness in babies with congenital CMV infection?

Sensorineural deafness Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the skin lesions observed in babies with congenital rubella syndrome?

Purpuric lesions Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical location of intracranial calcifications in congenital CMV infection?

Periventricular Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary site of hematopoiesis in utero?

Extra-medullary sites Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the characteristic blue-gray appearance of the skin in congenital rubella syndrome?

Blueberry muffin baby Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary diagnostic test for congenital rubella syndrome?

Rubella titers Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical treatment for congenital rubella syndrome?

Supportive care Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of congenital sensorineural deafness in babies with congenital rubella syndrome?

Sensorineural deafness Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary diagnostic test for congenital CMV infection?

Urine for CMV Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary treatment for congenital CMV infection?

Prolonged ganciclovir Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

TORCH Infections Overview

Group of infections transmitted from mother to fetus, potentially causing fetal abnormalities, miscarriage, or stillbirth.
Includes Toxoplasmosis, Other (syphilis, varicella-zoster, parvovirus B19), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Toxoplasmosis

Caused by Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan commonly found in cats.
Infection occurs through ingestion of oocysts from contaminated soil or undercooked meat.
Transmission methods include contaminated food, water, and cat feces; also through organ transplants and blood transfusions.
Maternal infection can lead to congenital toxoplasmosis, especially harmful during 2nd to 6th months of gestation.
Classic symptoms in newborns include hydrocephalus, chorioretinitis, and intracranial calcifications.
Diagnosis involves serological tests (IgM, IgG) and MRI.
Treatment includes pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, and leucovorin.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

Caused by HSV type 2, primarily affecting the genital area.
Contagious through skin-to-skin contact, especially during the first outbreak.
Not transplacental but can infect the fetus during delivery.
Manifestations include skin lesions, CNS involvement (encephalitis), and disseminated disease.
Diagnosis uses HSV PCR; treated with acyclovir.

Congenital Syphilis

Caused by Treponema pallidum, presenting as maculopapular rash, runny nose, and jaundice in newborns.
Early findings can include skeletal abnormalities and hearing loss.
Late findings may involve facial deformities (saddle nose), Hutchinson teeth (notched), and saber shins (bowed legs).

Varicella Zoster Virus

Causes chickenpox (primary infection) and shingles (reactivation).
Maternal infection during the first trimester can lead to fetal complications such as limb atrophy and microcephaly.
Newborns can exhibit dermatomal scarring and neurological deficits.

Rubella

An RNA virus transmitted via respiratory droplets.
Maternal infection presents as mild illness with a maculopapular rash.
Congenital rubella syndrome can lead to sensorineural deafness, cataracts, and cardiac malformations (e.g., PDA).
Diagnosis through serological titers and echocardiogram; no specific treatment.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

A herpes virus often asymptomatic in mothers (90%).
Can cause mild febrile illness or "mononucleosis-like" symptoms.
Major risk for newborns includes congenital deafness; can also present as small for gestational age, microcephaly, and seizures.
Diagnosis involves urine testing for CMV and cranial MRI showing periventricular calcifications.
Treatment may include prolonged ganciclovir.

Parvovirus B19

A non-enveloped, single-stranded DNA virus responsible for Fifth disease in children, presenting with a “slapped cheek” rash.
In adults, commonly leads to arthritis.
Particularly dangerous for fetuses, potentially causing miscarriages or hydrops fetalis due to its effects on red blood cell production.
Diagnosis often through clinical presentation and serological testing.

Additional Notes

Maternal infections can lead to significant fetal outcomes, emphasizing the importance of prenatal care and monitoring.
Preventive measures, including vaccination and hygienic practices, are crucial for minimizing risks associated with TORCH infections.

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Description

Learn about TORCH infections, a group of infectious diseases that can be transmitted to a developing fetus or newborn during pregnancy, delivery, or after birth, and their effects on fetal development. This quiz covers the different types of TORCH infections, including Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, and Cytomegalovirus, and their impact on maternal and fetal health.