TORCH INFECTIONS AND SCREENING IN PREGNANCY: RISK STRATIFICATION, DIAGNOSTIC TIMING AND PREVENTION-ORIENTED COUNSELING

Abstract

TORCH infections can harm pregnancy outcomes through miscarriage, fetal growth restriction,
congenital anomalies and neonatal disease. Objective: This article reviews TORCH screening as a
risk-stratified clinical process rather than a single laboratory package. Methods: International
public-health sources and antenatal-care recommendations were synthesized. Results: Congenital
CMV remains common, sexually transmitted infections contribute substantially to reproductive
harm, and antenatal contacts provide opportunities for prevention. Discussion: Universal, selective
and symptom-based screening must be distinguished. Conclusion: TORCH education should
emphasize timing, interpretation, counseling and referral, because incorrect testing can create either
missed disease or unnecessary anxiety