Work

Screening of Rubella Virus, Cytomegalovirus, Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus, HIV, Syphilis, and Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Pregnant Women

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: TORCH pathogens are often asymptomatic in healthy adults but can cause foetal death when transmitted during pregnancy; therefore, accurate regional data are essential for screening. This study aimed to determine first-trimester TORCH seropositivity and to inform the development of hospital-based and national screening algorithms. This study analysed test results from 7481 pregnant women aged 15–49 years who participated between January 2020 and December 2024. TORCH serological results obtained using the MAGLUMI X3/X6 system (Snibe, Shenzhen, China) were analysed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Anti-HCV positivity was 0.12% (9/7166), anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG positivity was 16.5% (1027/6204), anti-rubella IgG positivity was 95.5% (5809/6080), and anti-CMV IgG positivity was 98.69% (6130/6211). Syphilis seropositivity among pregnant women was 0.2% (13/4991). Significant differences by age groups (15–24, 25–34, and >35 years) were observed for rubella IgG (p < 0.001), T. gondii IgG (p < 0.001), and HBsAg positivity (p = 0.009). This study investigated TORCH seropositivity among pregnant women in our hospital region and underscores the need for targeted public health initiatives to reduce the risk of congenital infections. It recommends systematic first-trimester assessment of TORCH exposure, standardized data recordings, the establishment of national screening programmes, and careful consideration of testing costs.

Source: Viruses

DOI: 10.3390/v18020206

Authors: Fatih Mehmet Akıllı, Fatih Demir, Taylan Onat

Institution: Sincan Training and Research Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Cytomegalovirus and herpesvirus research

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137