Seroprevalence of TORCH Syndrome Among Women of Reproductive Age in Mashhad, Northeast of Iran

Abstract

Aims TORCH syndrome is responsible for 2% to 3% of all congenital anomalies caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), rubella virus (RV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV). The current study aims to determine the prevalence of TORCH infection in women in Mashhad City, Iran. Methods & Materials This cross-sectional study was conducted on 417 patients who were referred to 3 laboratories in Mashhad City, Iran. The laboratory data were collected from ​April 2016 to March 2020 to detect the specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) against the TORCH syndrome. Findings The specific IgG antibodies were found to be positive for CMV in 402 cases (96.4%), RV in 394 cases (94.5%), and T. gondii in 80 cases (19.2%). Moreover, 7 (1.6%) of the participants were found to be positive for anti-CMV IgM, 6 (1.4%) for anti-IgM RV, and 8 (1.9%) for anti-IgM T. gondii. In addition, the relationship between age and anti-T. gondii IgG in the age group of 37-47 years was 6. 44 times higher than the age group of 17-27 years. The relationship between age and anti-CMV IgG in the age group of 27-37 years was 4.13 times higher than in the age group of 37-47 years. Conclusion All women in their reproductive age should be regularly screened for TORCH syndrome to prevent congenital TORCH syndrome.