Research Article - Asian Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (2022) Volume 12, Issue 88

Seroprevalence of torch infection in pregnant women with bad obstetric history in and around Wardha, Maharashtra

Bad obstetric history (BOH) may be caused by hormonal, abnormal maternal immune response, genetic, and maternal infection. Maternal infections caused by TORCH (Toxoplasma, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus and Herpes simplex virus) and other bacteria, virus can cause BOH. These maternal infections are difficult to diagnose on clinical ground, so the detection of the IgM antibody against TORCH is the best approach to diagnose and reduce perinatal morbidity and mortality. This current study was undertaken to detect the serological evidence of the acute TORCH infections in pregnant women with BOH. Materials and Methods: This current study was carried out from January 2019 to December 2019, in the department of microbiology, at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Wardha, and Maharashtra, India. A total of 240 pregnant women attending antenatal department, who had TORCH test done at laboratory were included in the study. The patient clinical profile and history were collected from patient. The laboratory test for the detection of serum IgM and IgG specific antibodies for TORCH agents were done by using ELISA test (Euro immuno, Lubeck, Germany). Results: A total of 240 pregnant women, among them 60 pregnant women were with BOH and 180 were healthy pregnant women. Sero positivity rate for IgM in women with BOH is significantly higher than (P=0.0001) in healthy pregnant women. The sero positivity for TORCH IgM in toxoplasma Gondi was 21.7%, CMV 8.3% and rubella virus 11.7%. While in the healthy pregnant women the sero positivity for toxoplasma (10%), rubella (4.4%) and CMV was (2.8%). The highest sero positivity was seen in abortions with Toxoplasma Gondi (20%) followed by Rubella (10%). IUD in toxoplasma (20%) showed highest sero positivity followed by rubella (10%). In congenital anomalies and neonatal death and preterm labor toxoplasma showed highest sero positivity of 16.7% and 8.3% respectively. Conclusion: Primary infection with TORCH agents during pregnancy causes abortion, early neonatal death, and congenital malformation, intrauterine death, stillbirth and preterm labor. To prevent, It is recommended to screen for TORCH antibodies for antenatal cases with BOH infection and counseling for couple with if the pregnant women is having previous history of BOH to reduce the morbidity and mortality. To prevent congenital rubella syndrome, it is necessary to introduce vaccination and also health awareness programs at secondary school level.

Author(s): Rangaiahagari Ashok

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