The ToRCH complex-perinatal infections associated with toxoplasma and rubella, cytomegol- and herpes simplex viruses

Nahmias, André J.; Walls, Kenneth W.; Stewart, John A.; Herrmann, Kenneth L.; Flynt, William J

doi:10.1203/00006450-197108000-00144

Cited by 84 publications

(42 citation statements)

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“…The acronym that they devised-TORCH-represented TOxoplasma, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, and the 2 Herpes simplex viruses (type 1 and type 2). 23 After the introduction of this acronym into the medical literature, it was later modified to reflect the occurrence of additional congenital infections that had potentially serious consequences to the fetus and neonate. Thus, the O of TOxoplasma was changed to represent Other infections.…”

Section: The Origins Of Zika Virus-a Brief Historymentioning

confidence: 99%

The Origins and Emergence of Zika Virus, the Newest TORCH Infection: What's Old Is New Again

Schwartz

2016

Archives of Pathology &Amp; Laboratory Medicine

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Section: The Origins Of Zika Virus-a Brief Historymentioning

confidence: 99%

The Origins and Emergence of Zika Virus, the Newest TORCH Infection: What's Old Is New Again

Schwartz

2016

Archives of Pathology &Amp; Laboratory Medicine

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“…To obtain more data of medical and public health importance, an alliance with workers-at the time termed Communicable Disease Center (CDC)-was formed to study all four agents together, whenever one of the four was suspected clinically. We eventually grouped these four perinatal infectious agents into the acronym TORCH (Nahmias et al 1971), which has been widely used since (Nahmias and Keyserling 1984). The "O" was inserted presciently to convey the message that there would likely be other perinatal agents with overlapping symptomatologies, including NMD's, yet to be discovered.…”

Section: Our Longtime Search For the "O" Infectious Agents Associatedmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Possible Role of Transplacentally‐Acquired Antibodies to Infectious Agents, With Molecular Mimicry to Nervous System Sialic Acid Epitopes, as Causes of Neuromental Disorders: Prevention and Vaccine Implications

Nahmias

Nahmias²,

Danielsson

2006

Journal of Immunology Research

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Proof of causality of most neuromental disorders (NMD's) is largely unavailable. Lessons from four-decade investigations of the epidemiology, immunology, pathogenesis, prevention and therapy of perinatal infectious agents, which invade directly the nervous system, have led us to propose a new indirect effect hypothesis: maternal transplacentally-acquired antibodies, to agents with epitope molecular mimicry with the developing nervous system, can cross the fetus/infant's blood -nervous system barriers to cause NMD's, clinically manifest years later.Further rationale is provided by relevant evolutionary/developmental (EVO -DEVO) considerations-applicable also to some vaccines. The hypothesis is being tested in: (a) older pregnancy studies with available maternal and newborn sera, and follow-up of the progeny for NMD's; and (b) NMD registry individuals linked to their stored newborn blood spots. Preliminary results support a possible role for schizophrenia of high-tittered antibodies to some agents (toxoplasma, influenza and herpes simplex type 2 virus).A model that includes likely genetic and postnatal influences is schematized and a list of putative agents and factors, based on varying rationales, is tabulated. In case pilot studies are confirmed, the identified agent(s) and antibodies would need to be tested in new prospectively enrolled pregnant women, so as to establish further risk factors leading to possible preventive modalities.

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“…1 Nonetheless, several viruses and protozoa, linked conceptually by the TORCH acronym 2 (TOxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex virus), are capable of infecting pregnant women and inducing birth defects in their offspring. Certain disorders, such as the congenital rubella syndrome, have become infrequent as a direct result of intensive immunization programs, 3 whereas others, such as congenital toxoplasmosis, remain a potential threat to the fetuses of nonimmune pregnant women.…”

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confidence: 99%

Congenital Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Syndrome: A Disease That Mimics Congenital Toxoplasmosis or Cytomegalovirus Infection

Wright¹,

Johnson²,

Neumann³

et al. 1997

PEDIATRICS

157

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Results. Twenty-six infants with serologically confirmed congenital LCM virus infection were identified. Twenty-two infants were products of term gestations, and birth weights ranged from 2384 to 4400 g (median, 3520 g). Ocular abnormalities, macrocephaly, or microcephaly were the most commonly identified neonatal features. Twentyone infants (88%) had chorioretinopathy, 10 (43%) had macrocephaly (head circumference >90th percentile) at birth, and 3 (13%) were microcephalic (head circumference <10th percentile). Macrocephaly and hydrocephalus developed postnatally in one of the latter infants. Hydrocephalus or intracranial calcifications were documented in five infants by computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Nine infants (35%) died, and 10 (63%) of the 16 reported survivors had severe neurologic sequelae, consisting of spastic quadriparesis, seizures, visual loss, or mental retardation. One-half of the mothers reported illnesses compatible with LCM virus infection, and 25% reported exposures to rodents during their pregnancies.Conclusions. These cases suggest that congenital LCM virus infection could be an underrecognized cause of congenital infection among infants born in the United States. Because of the clinical similarities of these congenital infections, cases of congenital LCM virus infection can be confused with infections with cytomegalovirus or Toxoplasma gondii. Pediatrics 1997;100(1). URL: http://www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/full/100/1/e9; congenital infection, arenavirus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis.

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The ToRCH complex-perinatal infections associated with toxoplasma and rubella, cytomegol- and herpes simplex viruses

Cited by 84 publications

References 0 publications

The Origins and Emergence of Zika Virus, the Newest TORCH Infection: What's Old Is New Again

The Origins and Emergence of Zika Virus, the Newest TORCH Infection: What's Old Is New Again

The Possible Role of Transplacentally‐Acquired Antibodies to Infectious Agents, With Molecular Mimicry to Nervous System Sialic Acid Epitopes, as Causes of Neuromental Disorders: Prevention and Vaccine Implications

Congenital Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Syndrome: A Disease That Mimics Congenital Toxoplasmosis or Cytomegalovirus Infection

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