Detection of torch in pregnant and aborted women in nineveh governorate/iraq

A cross-sectional descriptive study was applied on 93 pregnant women, their ages ranged from 18-45 years old. The sera were collected for the period from April/2022 to August/2022 AD, and tested for TORCH IgM antibodies by using ELISA method (BioCheck kits) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The results showed the presence of IgM antibodies in 60 women out of a total of 93. Of 93 pregnant women, seropositivity was found in 9 (9.68%) for Anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgM antibody (4 had previous abortion), 36 (38.71%) for Anti-HSV IgM antibodies (16 had previous abortion), 11 (11.83%) for Anti-EBV IgM antibodies (3 had previous abortion), 2 (2.15%) for Anti-rubella IgM (one had previous abortion) and 2 (2.15%) Anti-CMV IgM. Widespread screening may contribute to the prevention of congenital infections due to TORCH agents. Because of the high seropositivity of TORCH infection especially Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Herpes simplex virus in pregnant women and their association with abortion, preventive measures should be taken.