CHEAP TORCHES

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(Redirected from TORCH)
  • Mnemonic for the list of congenital infections of concern
Disease Clinical Manifestations
C chicken pox cicatricial or vesicular skin lesions, microcephaly
H hepatitis B eventual chronic hepatitis B
hepatitis C eventual chronic hepatitis C
hepatitis E maternal death
E enterovirus aseptic meningitis, exanthems, myocarditis, fulminant hepatitis
A AIDS (HIV)
P parvovirus fetal loss, fetal hydrops
T toxoplasmosis intraparenchymal brain calcifications, hydrocephalus, chorioretinitis, CSF abnormalities
O other (Zika) microcephaly, intracranial calcifications, arthrogryposis, hypertonia, ocular abnormalities, sensorineural hearing loss
other (WNV)
R rubella caracts, glaucoma, pigmentary retinopathy, congenital heart disease (PDA or PPAS), radiolucent bone disease, sensorineural hearing loss
C CMV thrombocytopenia, periventrical brain calcifications, microcephaly, hepatosplenomegaly, sensorineural hearing loss
H HSV skin vesicles, ulcerations, scarring, microophthalmia, hydranencephaly, microcephaly
E every other STI
S syphilis osteochondritis and periostitis, pseudoparalysis, rhinitis (snuffles), maculopapular rash including palms, soles, and diaper area

Further Reading

  • "Cheap torches": an acronym for congenital and perinatal infections. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1995;14(7):638-640. PMID: 7567307