What is TORCH?
TORCH is an acronym which stands for "Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, & Herpes simplex virus". This group of infectious diseases are known to cause illness in pregnant females & birth defects in newborns.
What is TORCH Profile with Herpes IgM Lab test?
Hence, the torch profile/panel includes tests which detect antibody presence produced by the immune system in response to these diseases. This TORCH profile is used to detect IgM antibodies in case of HSV (herpes simplex virus) infection. HSV is known to pass through oral & genital contact. There are 2 HSV viruses of which HSV 1 causes cold sores affecting lips, while HSV 2 causes genital herpes (sexually transmitted disease).
Why is Torch Profile with Herpes IgM test done?
This test is known to be useful because of following reasons:
- To screen newborns showing signs & symptoms of infections suggested above.
- To screen women either prior to getting pregnant or in the early trimester (1st) of pregnancy to reduce chances of mother contracting the virus & causing birth defects in baby
- Also, to screen infection in females undergoing recurrent miscarriage.
- In infants, the most common type of immunoglobulin is IgM and therefore it poses as a useful indicator for presence of TORCH virus infection.
This test helps detect some infectious diseases which can cause birth defects in newborns. Therefore, the test is done to screen pregnant females and newborns showing symptoms of diseases mentioned above.
- What is the meaning of positive IgM herpes?
A positive result of herpes IgM test detects that there is HSV antibodies present in the sample. Which means person currently has the herpes simplex virus infection.
- What is meant by TORCH IgM test?
The infectious organisms when enter body with antigens on their surface, they stimulate immune system to release corresponding antibodies (IgM). The TORCH test helps detect these IgM antibodies in blood which confirms the exposure to a virus.
- What is IgM normal ranges?
Immunoglobulin M normal range is from 0.4 to 2.5 g/L
- What are the infectious conditions related to TORCH?
About 2-3% cases of all congenital irregularities include perinatal infections (infection passed from mother to a baby). Common infections associated with congenital anomalies include Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes infections.
- Do high IgM levels show a serious risk?
Those patients having high IgM levels are at substantial risk for repeated & opportunistic infections.
The TORCH profile shows results for IgM and IgG antibodies & helps detect whether you recently had an infection or are currently having one. It is a screening test and will require further tests for confirmation.
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS:
Interpretation for HSV 1 IgM & HSV 2 IgM include:
- "Positive" result for IgM (in abnormal quantity) & “Negative” IgG : indicate very recent infection
- “Positive” result for IgG (in abnormal quantity) & “Negative” IgM: indicate old infection which might have been cured or vaccinated.
- “Positive” result for both IgM & IgG (both in abnormal quantity): indicate infection which is recently ongoing.
- “Negative” result for both IgM & IgG: indicate that there was/is no previous or recent infection.
