A surreal illustration symbolizing protection from viruses during pregnancy.

Beyond TORCH: Understanding Infectious Threats to Pregnancy and Infant Health

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore the evolving landscape of congenital infections, from Zika to CMV, and how proactive measures can safeguard your baby's health."

The landscape of prenatal and infant health is constantly evolving, with emerging infectious diseases posing new challenges. While the TORCH panel (Toxoplasmosis, Other agents, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes simplex virus) has long been a cornerstone of prenatal screening, the emergence of Zika virus and a deeper understanding of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) highlight the need for a more comprehensive approach.

Zika virus (ZIKV), an arbovirus that gained global attention following outbreaks in 2007, has underscored the potential for severe congenital abnormalities. The virus, primarily transmitted by mosquitoes, can also spread through transplacental transmission, blood transfusions, and sexual contact. While Zika's impact on infants, including microcephaly and other neurological disorders, has been widely publicized, it's crucial to recognize that other infections also pose significant risks during pregnancy.

This article aims to broaden the understanding of infectious threats to pregnancy beyond the traditional TORCH panel. By exploring the risks associated with Zika virus, congenital CMV, and other infections, we hope to empower expectant parents and healthcare providers to make informed decisions about prevention, screening, and management.

The Evolving Threat of Congenital Infections

A surreal illustration symbolizing protection from viruses during pregnancy.

Congenital infections, those passed from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth, can have devastating consequences. These infections can lead to a range of health problems, including developmental delays, hearing loss, vision impairment, and even death. While some congenital infections are relatively rare, others, like CMV, are surprisingly common.

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is a leading infectious cause of birth defects. A large percentage of adults have CMV antibodies, indicating past exposure. However, primary infection during pregnancy carries the greatest risk of transmission to the fetus. Although many infected infants are asymptomatic at birth, some may develop long-term health problems, including hearing loss and neurodevelopmental issues. Awareness about CMV and preventive measures remains limited, and universal screening is not yet standard practice.

Key strategies for preventing cCMV include:

Practicing good hygiene, especially handwashing, particularly after contact with young children.
Avoiding sharing food, drinks, and utensils with young children.
Cleaning toys and surfaces that may come into contact with young children's saliva or urine.

Beyond Zika and CMV, other infections continue to pose risks during pregnancy. These include toxoplasmosis, rubella, syphilis and herpes simplex virus (HSV). Routine prenatal screening and vaccination (where available) are critical for preventing these infections. Public health initiatives, such as rubella vaccination programs, have significantly reduced the incidence of congenital rubella syndrome. However, maintaining high vaccination rates and ensuring access to prenatal care are essential for continued success.

Moving Forward: Protecting Future Generations

The emergence of Zika virus and the ongoing challenges posed by congenital CMV underscore the need for a proactive and comprehensive approach to preventing infectious diseases during pregnancy. By raising awareness, promoting preventive measures, and supporting research, we can protect future generations from the devastating consequences of congenital infections. It is important to continue reinforcing the importance of vaccination, hygiene and sanitation.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.arcped.2017.08.002, Alternate LINK

Title: De Torch À Torchz : Fœtopathies Infectieuses À Virus Zika Et Autres

Subject: Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

Journal: Archives de Pédiatrie

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: A. Morand, C. Zandotti, R. Charrel, P. Minodier, A. Fabre, B. Chabrol, X. De Lamballerie

Published: 2017-10-01

Everything You Need To Know

What does the TORCH panel screen for, and why is it important in prenatal care?

The TORCH panel includes screening for Toxoplasmosis, Other agents, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes Simplex Virus. It's a cornerstone of prenatal screening, aiming to identify infections that can harm the developing fetus. However, it doesn't cover all potential infectious threats, such as Zika virus, highlighting the need for a broader screening approach.

How is the Zika virus transmitted, and what are the potential impacts on infants?

Zika virus is transmitted primarily through mosquito bites but can also spread through transplacental transmission, blood transfusions, and sexual contact. Its impact on infants can include microcephaly and other severe neurological disorders. Understanding these transmission methods is key to prevention, especially for pregnant women and those planning to conceive.

What is congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV), and why is it a concern for pregnant women?

Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is a leading infectious cause of birth defects. While many adults have CMV antibodies indicating past exposure, a primary infection during pregnancy poses the greatest risk to the fetus. Although many infected infants show no symptoms at birth, some may experience long-term health issues like hearing loss and neurodevelopmental problems. Because universal screening is not yet standard practice, preventive measures and awareness are essential.

What are the key strategies for preventing Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection during pregnancy?

To prevent Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection, several key strategies should be followed. These include practicing good hygiene, especially thorough handwashing after contact with young children, avoiding sharing food, drinks, and utensils with young children, and regularly cleaning toys and surfaces that young children may come into contact with. These measures reduce the risk of transmitting CMV, especially to pregnant women.

Beyond Zika and CMV, what other infections pose risks during pregnancy, and how can they be prevented?

Besides Zika virus and Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV), other infections like toxoplasmosis, rubella, syphilis, and herpes simplex virus (HSV) pose risks during pregnancy. Routine prenatal screening and vaccination (where available) are critical for preventing these infections. Public health initiatives, like rubella vaccination programs, have significantly reduced the incidence of congenital rubella syndrome. Maintaining high vaccination rates and ensuring access to prenatal care are essential for continued success in protecting future generations.