Recent Journal Updates

Emerging Infectious DiseasesJun 25, 2026

Investigation of Donor-Transmitted Strongyloides stercoralis Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients, United States, 2012–2024

Clinical Context

We think this might be relevant to the clinical guidance for TORCH Framework — Perinatal Infections.

British J HaematologyJun 18, 2026

Resolving diagnostic uncertainty in rare MPL and CALR variants: A practical framework for the haematology clinic

Clinical Context

We think this might be relevant to the clinical guidance for TORCH Framework — Perinatal Infections.

WHO NewsJun 15, 2026

Open letter to leaders of G7, G20, BRICS and all nations on finalizing the WHO Pandemic Agreement’s Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex

Clinical Context

We think this might be relevant to the clinical guidance for TORCH Framework — Perinatal Infections.

TORCH Framework

TORCH Screening Framework

Indications & Diagnostic Rationales

Toxoplasmosis

Other (Syphilis)

Rubella

CMV

HSV

Diagnostic Triggers

Maternal Exposure

Known contact with primary infection (especially Rubella/VZV).

Ultrasound Markers

Intracranial calcifications, Hydrops, Organomegaly, Microcephaly.

Seroconversion

Rising IgG or presence of IgM with low Avidity.

Fetal Growth

Severe early-onset Fetal Growth Restriction (<20 weeks).

Clinical Ref: Routine "Panel" testing is discouraged by FIGO/RCOG due to high false-positive rates. Testing should be serial and pathogen-specific based on clinical suspicion.

Guidelines & Evidence

Verified

Last Review: 2026

When to Use

Differential diagnosis for symmetric Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR).

Evaluation of fetal anomalies on ultrasound (e.g., intracranial calcifications, microcephaly, hydrops).

Screening pregnant patients with concerning exposures or viral prodromes (fever, lymphadenopathy, rash).

Workup for unexplained stillbirth or neonatal jaundice/thrombocytopenia.

Exclusion Criteria

The TORCH framework is a screening heuristic. It is not a single "test" but a diagnostic approach. Routine universal TORCH screening in asymptomatic patients is not cost-effective and is generally discouraged by ACOG.

Last Comprehensive Review: 2026

Recent Journal Updates

Emerging Infectious DiseasesJun 25, 2026

Investigation of Donor-Transmitted Strongyloides stercoralis Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients, United States, 2012–2024

Clinical Context

We think this might be relevant to the clinical guidance for TORCH Framework — Perinatal Infections.

British J HaematologyJun 18, 2026

Resolving diagnostic uncertainty in rare MPL and CALR variants: A practical framework for the haematology clinic

Clinical Context

We think this might be relevant to the clinical guidance for TORCH Framework — Perinatal Infections.

WHO NewsJun 15, 2026

Open letter to leaders of G7, G20, BRICS and all nations on finalizing the WHO Pandemic Agreement’s Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing annex

Clinical Context

We think this might be relevant to the clinical guidance for TORCH Framework — Perinatal Infections.