What is TORCH Profile IgG & IgM

The TORCH Profile Test refers to a set of tests carried out on pregnant women to ascertain the presence of certain infections or to monitor newborns for infections triggered by Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex virus, and a team of different pathogens (TORCH) that may result to maternal illness or delivery defects in the newborn.

Why is TORCH Profile IgG & IgM carried out?

TORCH Profile Test is carried out:

·To detect and assist in the diagnosis of an infection triggered by the TORCH group of pathogens in a pregnant lady (usually in the first trimester), or in a lady planning pregnancy
· To monitor for infections in a lady in case of intermittent miscarriage
· To monitor for infections in a newborn

What does TORCH Profile IgG & IgM Measure?

TORCH Profile test identifies the existence of antibodies against Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex virus 1 & 2.

TORCH is an acronym which stands for a team of infectious diseases that may happen in a pregnant lady or a newborn, leading to sickness and delivery defects:

Toxoplasmosis: Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic infection brought on by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This infection can be passed from the pregnant mother to the unborn infant through the placenta. This infection most often takes place from consuming raw contaminated meat, raw eggs, handling feces of cats, or taking uncooked goat milk.

This infection can cause miscarriage, loss of vision, seizures, hearing loss or some other birth defects in the newborn.

Rubella: Rubella, also known as German measles is induced by the Rubella virus. If the virus infects the baby in the womb, it may result in birth abnormalities like cardiovascular disorders, cardiovascular defects, mental retardation, vision disorders, hearing disorders, etc.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV): Belonging to the herpes virus family, CMV causes overlooked symptoms in adults, however, may pass on to the baby either through the placenta at the time of gestation, or through breast milk. It may lead to disorders, mental retardation, epileptic seizures, etc. in newborns.

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2 (HSV 1 and 2): In adults, HSV 1 causes cold sores, and HSV 2 leads to the common sexually transmitted disease genital herpes. A new child may also be infected through HSV while going through the birth canal during delivery. Both HSV 1 and HSV 2 infections in newborns are always very extreme and have an effect on fundamental organs, causing breathing disorders, epileptic seizures, and central nervous system damage which may be incurable even after antiviral treatment.

Other: Other infections consist of Syphilis, Hepatitis B, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Enterovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Varicella-zoster virus, and Parvovirus B19. Each of these infections can be transmitted to the infant from the mother and lead to bad conditions in the newborn.

Infection by the above pathogens causes the immune system of the body to produce antibodies referred to as immunoglobulins, majorly IgG and IgM against them. IgM is produced and identified in blood at once after infection and gives short-time protection. IgG is produced in blood a period after the infection happens and persists longer. It is in charge of long-term protection from subsequent infections of the equal pathogen. This TORCH Profile Test identifies the presence of immunoglobulins IgG and IgM for the following to observe the existence of an infection:

· Toxoplasma gondii IgG

· Toxoplasma gondii IgM

· Herpes Simplex Virus 1 IgM

· Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgG

· Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM

· Rubella Virus IgG

· Rubella Virus IgM

· Cytomegalovirus IgG

· Cytomegalovirus IgM

· Herpes Simplex Virus 1 IgG

Interpreting TORCH Profile IgG & IgM test results

The absence of antibodies shows a negative result, while the presence of antibodies shows a positive result.

A negative result for both IgG and IgM shows no former or current infection.

The positive result for IgM and a negative result for IgG shows a very current infection.

A positive result for IgG and a negative result for IgM shows an infection that has been there for a very long time which may have been cured already or a vaccination.

A positive result for both IgG and IgM shows a current ongoing infection.

The TORCH Profile is used as a screening test and its results are proven with further or other tests.

Tests Included

Rubella Virus - IgM

Rubella Virus - IgG

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 IgG

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 IgM

Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgG

Herpes Simplex Virus 2 IgM

Toxoplasma gondii - IgG

Toxoplasma gondii - IgM

Cytomegalovirus IgM Antibody

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