TORCH (Toxoplasmosis, Other, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex Virus) Infection and the Enigma of Anomalous Fetal Development: Pregnancy Puzzles.

ABSTRACT

The cytomegalovirus (CMV), a common DNA virus with a high global seroprevalence, is the primary cause of teratogenic congenital infections, which presents a serious risk to public health. Maternal CMV infection is linked to congenital CMV (cCMV), a major contributor to non-genetic sensorineural hearing loss, cognitive developmental impairments, and cerebral palsy in infants. Transmission might occur through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, with higher transmission rates after primary infection and an increased risk of severe fetal effects before 20 weeks. The mother and fetus do not get immunity from a prior infection. Fetal growth restriction, fetal loss, and cerebral or extra-cerebral abnormalities that can be detected by ultrasonography are possible presentations of cCMV. Specific antibody detection or seroconversion is required for the diagnosis of maternal CMV during pregnancy. Amniocentesis is used to diagnose fetal CMV during pregnancy after eight weeks of presumed maternal infection and 17 weeks of gestation. The main preventive measure is hygiene education, as the effectiveness of immunoglobulins, antiviral medications, and vaccines is still up for debate. The focus is particularly directed toward the anomalous fetal outcomes observed during the course of the pregnancy.