Aim of the study was to know the seroprevalence of TORCH infection in antenatal women with bad obstetric history and to co relate the same with different clinical presentations. IgM antibodies for TORCH infection were analyzed in the serum samples of 172 Bad obstetric history (BOH)cases attending Ante Natal clinic by using ELISA according to manufacturer’s instructions. Seroprevalence for , Rubella, CMV and HSV-2 was found to be 12.79%, 11.62%, 04.65% and 02.32% respectively. Highest seropositivity in spontaneous abortions (16.25%)and early neonatal deaths (8.33%) cases was seen with infection. In cases with history of IUD (09.37%) and congenitally malformed babies (22.22%) maximum seropositivity was found for Rubella. History of still births (25%) was equally associated with and Rubella infection. There is a need of screening programmes during antenatal visits to reduce repeated pregnancy wastages in our country. Early detection of IgM by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is useful for diagnosis of TORCH infection to reduce adverse fetal outcome.

Background: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by infection with Toxoplasma gondii. It is usually asymptomatic, but infection in pregnant women can pose serious health problems for the fetus like chorioretinitis, brain calcication, and microcephaly. It is therefore important to prevent transplacental transmission of T.gondii in pregnant females. Considering Aims & Objectives: that the seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma infection in the pregnant women is poorly studied, the main objective of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence and potential risk factors for T. gondii infection in women with BOH seeking antenatal care. Total 172 Materials & Methods: women with Bad obstetric history attending antenatal clinic were tested for Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies by ELISA and a detailed history was taken according to case proforma to assess for potential risk factors. The Results: overall seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was 33.7% (58/172). Among the seropositive women, 20.9% and 12.8% were positive for IgG antibody and IgM antibody respectively. Among the risk factors evaluated, residence in an urban area, contact with soil, consumption of raw or undercooked meat and unwashed vegetables, drinking unpasteurised milk were observed to be risk factors for Toxoplasmosis. No signicant relationship was found between the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection and older maternal age, gestational age, gravida, level of education, contact with cats and drinking untreated water. Conclusion: Health education and awareness is important in pregnant women and women in childbearing age group regarding the risk factors associated with Toxoplasmosis to avoid deleterious effects of the infection on mother and fetus.

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In April 2021, amidst rising COVID-19 cases in Delhi with negativity all around, we all faced challenges. However, a microbiologist working on the forefront as a clinician with COVID-19 patients was scary as well, more so for patients. Starting a banquet hall as COVID care facility was full of hurdles which were gradually overcome with each other's cooperation and support. Variety of experiences during that duty made me a better version of myself both as a person and as a doctor.