*Infections in Pregnancy

Question 1

What is screened for in a TORCH screen?

Answer 1

Toxoplasmosis
Other pathogens e.g. Parvovirus, HIV, varicella, Hep B and C
Rubella
Cytomegalovirus
Herpes simplex

Question 2

What is a TORCH screen and why might it be done?

Answer 2

A TORCH screen is a panel of tests for detecting infections in pregnant women.
Infections may be passed on to a fetus during pregnancy.
Early detection and treatment of an infection can prevent complications in newborns (e.g. deafness, seizures, jaudice, low platelet levels).

Question 3

What STI testing is routinely offered in pregnancy?

Answer 3

Hep B & C
HIV
Syphillis
Chlamydia - urine sample
Gonorrhoea

Question 4

During antenatal appointments, consider STI screening

Answer 4

If a sexually transmitted infection is identified, there is an increased risk of other sexually transmitted infections. Testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections and contact tracing have public health benefits as transmission to partners is reduced.