Abstract
Author(s): Karol Laskowski, Marta Fiedoruk, MaÅgorzata Tokarska-Rodak
Infections with TORCH pathogens are a crucial issue in obstetrics since their consequences can significantly affect pregnant women’s health and pose a threat to the fetus. The infection may be intrauterine, it can occur during the perinatal period or after delivery, for instance while breast-feeding. As far as the pathogenesis of TORCH infections is concerned, the gestational age during pathogen transmission is a significant factor. Infection in an early stage of embryogenesis (I trimester) is the most dangerous for the fetus. It usually leads to the development of certain congenial defects, stillbirth or miscarriage. Quick implementation of proper diagnostic procedures such as: evaluation of IgG and IgM antibodies, DNA testing, ELISA testing, PCR and cell culture, is extremely important. Owing to the above-mentioned procedures, proper pharmacological treatment in the case of infection can be applied to protect both the mother and the fetus from serious complications. One should also remember about the crucial role of prophylaxis. Advances in the field of medicine, introduction of new recommendations, vaccinations as well as improved diagnostic and therapeutic methods considerably lower the risk of many infections during gestation