TORCH PANEL IgM EXTENDED
Understanding TORCH PANEL IgM EXTENDED
What is TORCH PANEL IgM EXTENDED?
Perinatal infections account for 2-3% of all congenital anomalies. TORCH which includes Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus & Herpes Simplex virus, are some of the most common infections associated with Congenital anomalies. Most of the TORCH infections cause mild maternal morbidity, but have serious fetal consequences. Reliable recognition of acute infection is highly important in pregnant women. IgM positive result alone does not accurately predict the risk of fetal infection; a positive IgM test should therefore be considered only as a starting point and a more thorough diagnostic evaluation is necessary to determine whether there is a risk of fetal infection. Toxoplasmosis is acquired by humans through ingestion of food or water contaminated with cat feces or through eating undercooked meat containing viable oocysts. Vertical transmission of the parasite through the placenta can also occur, leading to Congenital toxoplasmosis. Rubella is a viral exanthematous infectious disease caused by Rubella virus. The disease is usually accompanied by lymphadenopathy. Infection confers lifelong immunity. Rubella-specific IgM is found in virtually all infected patients by 3 weeks post development of a rash. Rubella-specific IgM is also found in 80% of post-vaccination patients by three weeks. Primary CMV infection may result in establishment of persistent or latent infection. Infections can be acquired through direct contact with individuals shedding the virus. CMV can be transmitted vertically and horizontally, and infection can be classified as being acquired before birth (prenatal), at the time of birth (perinatal) or later in life (postnatal). Infections are usually mild and asymptomatic but may pose a significant medical risk in pregnant women, newborns and immunocompromised individuals. Asymptomatic HSV infections may occur in healthy individuals and during pregnancy. Once infection occurs, HSV persists in a latent state in sensory ganglia from where it may re-emerge to cause periodic recurrence of infection induced by many stimuli, which may or may not result in clinical lesions. In immunocompromised patients the disease is more severe and they are more likely to have frequent HSV recurrences. Acute infection of TORCH is suggested by the presence of IgM antibody or seroconversion or rising antibody titres between acute and convalescent serum & low IgG avidity except in HSV infections.
What does TORCH PANEL IgM EXTENDED measure?
Contains 4 tests
Rubella Virus - IgM
The Rubella Virus - IgM test determines the presence of Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in the blood against Rubella virus. IgM antibodies are the first line of defense produced by the immune system in response to a recent infection. Therefore, this test is crucial for diagnosing acute or recent rubella infections.
In acute primary infection during pregnancy, IgM may be detected 4-15 days after the rash appears. The IgM levels begin to decline after 36 -70 days and may last up to 180 days in some cases.
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Herpes Simplex Virus 1 IgM
The Herpes Simplex Virus 1 IgM test detects the presence of IgM antibodies that are produced as a body's initial response to an HSV-1 infection. They are critical in the initial control of the virus. IgM antibodies may take up to 10 days to develop. Also, these antibodies are usually present in higher concentrations shortly after infection and eventually decrease after some time (7-10 days). Therefore, the presence of HSV-1 IgM antibodies is a strong indication of recent exposure and primary infection.
Early detection allows doctors to detect symptoms quickly and provide necessary medical interventions to individuals suffering from HSV infection, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
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Cytomegalovirus IgM Antibody
A Cytomegalovirus IgM Antibody test measures the presence of Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies in the blood, specifically targeting the CMV. IgM antibodies are produced by the body first in response to a CMV infection. They can be detected in the blood within a week or two after the initial exposure. IgM levels rise for a short time, then decline and usually fall below detectable levels after a few months. IgM antibody levels rise again when latent CMV is reactivated.
Elevated levels of CMV IgM antibodies indicate an ongoing infection or recent exposure to the virus. Understanding the presence of IgM antibodies helps doctors diagnose and manage CMV infections effectively.
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Toxoplasma gondii - IgM
A Toxoplasma gondii - IgM test measures the presence of IgM antibodies in the blood, indicating recent or acute infection with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. These antibodies are part of the body’s immune response and are produced when an individual is exposed to the parasite. These antibodies are the first to appear after being exposed to the parasite and may persist for up to 18 months post-infection. This test provides valuable information about recent exposure to Toxoplasma gondii, helping in the diagnosis and management of infections, especially in cases where timely detection is crucial.
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Other tests
