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Foundation Sciences · Embryology
TORCH Infections
TORCH infections (Toxoplasmosis, Other (e.g. syphilis, parvovirus, varicella, Zika), Rubella, CMV, Herpes) cross the placenta and cause congenital disease.
📌 Learning Objectives
- Describe the underlying mechanism of TORCH Infections.
- Identify the key clinical features and complications of TORCH Infections.
- Outline the appropriate investigations and management of TORCH Infections.
- Discuss the implications for patients and families of TORCH Infections.
📋 Overview
Each pathogen has characteristic features: rubella causes the classic triad of cataracts, sensorineural deafness and PDA; CMV causes hearing loss and periventricular calcifications; toxoplasmosis causes hydrocephalus and chorioretinitis.
🔬 Basic Science
Each pathogen has characteristic features: rubella causes the classic triad of cataracts, sensorineural deafness and PDA; CMV causes hearing loss and periventricular calcifications; toxoplasmosis causes hydrocephalus and chorioretinitis.
🏥 Clinical Relevance
Antenatal CMV is the leading infectious cause of congenital sensorineural hearing loss.
🧪 Investigations
Investigation depends on clinical context: relevant blood tests, imaging, and specific genetic or histopathological tests as appropriate. Refer to specialist services where indicated.
💊 Management
Management is condition-specific and typically multidisciplinary, combining medical therapy, surgical intervention where appropriate, supportive care, and family/genetic counselling.
Revision Resources – expand the sections below for high-yield notes, exam pearls, key facts and further reading.
MLA High-Yield Notes & Quick Revision ⌄
Common SBA themes: recognising the underlying mechanism, identifying classic clinical features, and choosing the first-line investigation or management step. Watch for inheritance pattern and characteristic associations.
torch
rubella
cmv
toxoplasmosis
syphilis
- Congenital rubella triad: cataracts, sensorineural deafness, PDA.
- Congenital CMV: microcephaly, periventricular calcifications, sensorineural hearing loss.
- Congenital toxoplasmosis: hydrocephalus, intracranial calcifications, chorioretinitis.
- Congenital syphilis: 'snuffles', saddle nose, Hutchinson teeth, interstitial keratitis.
- Zika virus infection in pregnancy is associated with microcephaly.
Exam Pearls ⌄
⭐ High Yield
Congenital rubella triad: cataracts, sensorineural deafness, PDA.
Congenital CMV: microcephaly, periventricular calcifications, sensorineural hearing loss.
Congenital toxoplasmosis: hydrocephalus, intracranial calcifications, chorioretinitis.
Congenital syphilis: 'snuffles', saddle nose, Hutchinson teeth, interstitial keratitis.
Zika virus infection in pregnancy is associated with microcephaly.
💡 Clinical Pearl
Torch: Antenatal CMV is the leading infectious cause of congenital sensorineural hearing loss.
⚠️ Exam Tip — Common Mistakes
Confusing the mechanism of TORCH Infections with related conditions.
Missing classic clinical features of TORCH Infections in SBA stems.
Failing to consider TORCH Infections in the differential diagnosis.
Key Facts ⌄
Congenital rubella triad: cataracts, sensorineural deafness, PDA.
Congenital CMV: microcephaly, periventricular calcifications, sensorineural hearing loss.
Congenital toxoplasmosis: hydrocephalus, intracranial calcifications, chorioretinitis.
Congenital syphilis: 'snuffles', saddle nose, Hutchinson teeth, interstitial keratitis.
Zika virus infection in pregnancy is associated with microcephaly.
Related Topics ⌄
References ⌄
- GMC MLA Content Map
- NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries
- BMJ Best Practice
Further Resources
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