TORCH Congenital Syndrome Infections in Central America’s Northern Triangle

Abstract

TORCH pathogens are a group of globally prevalent infectious agents that may cross the placental barrier, causing severe negative sequalae in neonates, including fetal death and lifelong morbidity. TORCH infections are classically defined by Toxoplasma gondii, other infectious causes of concern (e.g., syphilis, Zika virus, malaria, human immunodeficiency virus), rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex viruses. Neonatal disorders and congenital birth defects are the leading causes of neonatal mortality in Central America’s Northern Triangle, yet little is known about TORCH congenital syndrome in this region. This review synthesizes the little that is known regarding the most salient TORCH infections among pregnant women and neonates in Central America’s Northern Triangle and highlights gaps in the literature that warrant further research. Due to the limited publicly available information, this review includes both peer-reviewed published literature and university professional degree theses. Further large-scale studies should be conducted to clarify the public health impact these infections in this world region.

A Rare Case of a Subgaleal Hematoma With Global Developmental Delay, Scurvy, and Congenital Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex, and HIV (TORCH) Infection

“…Congenital infections, including toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex (TORCH), pose a substantial risk to fetal development during pregnancy. These infections, caused by Toxoplasma gondii , rubella virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV), are associated with a spectrum of congenital abnormalities, including neurological and developmental issues [ 2 ]. Early detection and timely intervention are imperative to mitigate the potential long-term consequences of TORCH infections.…”

Impact of Obesity and Diabetes in Pregnant Women on Their Immunity and Vaccination

“…Typically, TORCH infection (e.g., Toxoplasmosis gondii , rubella, Zika) occurs due to acute, primary infection during pregnancy, though pre-gestational and chronic infections can also be reactivated. Risk of TORCH increases with gestational age, due to changes in maternal immune factors in addition to the decreasing anatomical thickness of the placenta; in contrast, infection is more severe, and clinical manifestation more marked, when exposure occurs earlier in the pregnancy, and maternal comorbidities also impact clinical severity [ 6 ]. The severity of complications is also influenced by co-infection with TORCH pathogens [ 7 ].…”

Unraveling Immunological Dynamics: HPV Infection in Women—Insights from Pregnancy

“…The list of pathogens included in the "other" group has gradually expanded, and it comprises Treponema pallidum, hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), parvovirus B19, and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) [11]. However, more and more agents are being revealed as causes of concern: Zika virus, malaria, and West Nile virus [12]. As the consequences of maternal HPV infection are still ambiguous, it is our aim to provide a synthesis of evidence on the potential mechanisms employed by HPV to circumvent or suppress the immune system.…”