Which infections are included in the TORCH complex?

The TORCH complex refers to a group of infectious diseases that can cause serious congenital conditions if transmitted from a mother to her fetus during pregnancy. The infections included in the TORCH complex are:

• Toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, can lead to severe complications in the fetus, including neurological disorders and vision problems.

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a virus from the herpes family that can cause hearing loss, developmental delays, and other serious health issues in newborns.

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection during pregnancy can result in neonatal herpes, which can be life-threatening for newborns.

This group of infections is particularly critical as they can lead to significant morbidity and mortality for the developing fetus, and their detection and management during pregnancy are crucial for maternal-fetal health.

The other options consist of infections that, while they may have implications for maternal health, are not categorized under the TORCH complex. Recognizing the specific infections included in the TORCH complex is important for clinicians to identify at-risk pregnancies and provide appropriate care.