TORCH is an acronym for toxoplasmosis, other infections (such as syphilis), rubella, CMV, and herpes simplex. Which statement is true regarding TORCH infections during pregnancy?

• A. All of the infectious agents cross the placenta to the fetus
• B. The agents do not cross the placenta
• C. Only rubella crosses the placenta
• D. Infections are prevented by maternal vaccination

Answer: (A)

TORCH infections share the ability of the pathogens to cross the placenta and infect the developing fetus, which is why prenatal exposure can lead to congenital disease. Toxoplasma gondii, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, and the other infections in this group can all cross the placental barrier and affect the fetus, so the statement that all of these infectious agents cross the placenta is true.

While vaccines exist that can prevent some maternal infections (most notably rubella), they do not prevent all TORCH infections—there are no vaccines for many of the others (such as CMV, toxoplasmosis, HSV, or syphilis in the context of pregnancy). Therefore, the broader claim that maternal vaccination prevents TORCH infections overall is not accurate.