■ TORCH

T : Toxoplasmosis

O : Others ( Parpovirus B19 , Syphilis, Varicella, etc.)

R : Rubella Virus

C : Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

H : Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

SOFIVA provides 2 screening tests on below:

• ˙Toxoplasmosis screening

˙• Cytomegalovirus infection screening

■ Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Epidemiological studies indicate that 1 out of 3 people have been infected with toxoplasmosis; however, most infected individuals display cold-like symptoms, which makes the disease difficult to diagnose.

• Transmission

Livestock such as pigs and cows often serve as intermediate hosts, but cats act as the final hosts for Toxoplasma gondii. The most common cause of Toxoplasma gondii infection is the ingestion of raw or undercooked meat that contains Toxoplasma oocysts. The ingestion of contaminated cat feces, soil, or water also leads to infection. Additionally, toxoplasmosis can infect through congenital transmission from mother to fetus, blood transfusions, and organ transplants.

• Clinical Symptoms

When primary infection in a pregnant woman, parasites may be transmitted to the fetus via the placenta and lead to damages in multiple system. This can result in hydrocephalus, neural damage, varying degrees of intellectual disability, low IQ, miscarriage, or stillbirth.

■ Cytomegalovirus Infection

CMV infection is one of the most common types of infection in Taiwan. Many people are asymptomatic carriers and may spread the virus to others. In the event of lowered immunity (e.g. caused by factors including severe burns, major diseases, or organ transplants), the virus can be activated and lead to serious illness.

•Transmission

The primary means of CMV transmission is contact with the body fluid of an infected individual (including asymptomatic carriers). These fluids include saliva, blood, and cervical or penile secretions, and the virus is transmitted by subsequent contact with the eyes, mouth, or nose. The CMV virus can also be transmitted via food sharing, sexual intercourse, nursing, or blood transfusion.

•Clinical Symptoms

Women who contract the infection during the first six months of pregnancy may transmit CMV to her fetus. Indeed, infections that occur during early pregnancy have a 25% chance of being transmitted to the fetus, and 20% of transmitted infections lead to severe complications such as involuntary dyskinesia, hepatosplenomegaly, deafness, or central nervous system abnormalities.

■ 1st trimester of pregnancy

■ Women exposed to the source of infections

■ Women who wants to apply IVF

■ Prenatal test

■ Elderly primigravida

Treatment of Congenital Infections

For pregnant mothers with positive results of congenital infection, SOFIVA offers additional maternal blood, amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord blood tests as well as comprehensive follow-up consultation services not only test IgM and IgG in maternal blood.

Step1. Consult a physician to obtain a comprehensive understanding of screening.

Step2. Congenital infection Screening is taken blood samples of the mother for IgG and IgM screening.

Step3. The results will be available in 5 working days.

Step4. The physician explains the report and provides clinical recommendations and precautions.