Seroprevalence of TORCH infections in pregnant women in the city of Likasi, Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction: TORCH infections (Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes) are diseases transmissible from mother to fetus, representing a global health problem. They can lead to serious complications such as abortions, fetal death in utero, or congenital malformations (cerebral and ocular) in the newborn. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most frequent cause of non-genetic congenital developmental disorders.

Objective: This study aimed to contribute to the diagnosis and determine the seroprevalence of TORCH infection in pregnant women in Likasi, DRC.

Methods: Our study is of a cross-sectional type. This was a study involving a sample of 60 pregnant women in the city of Likasi, recruited during prenatal consultations (PNC). The sample included 20 women in the first trimester, 20 in the second, and 20 in the third trimester, with an age range varying between 19 and 44 years. Blood was collected and the serum was analyzed for TORCH markers (IgG and IgM) using the solid-phase indirect ELISA immunoenzymatic method.

Results: The analysis revealed a particularly high seroprevalence for two pathogens:

• Toxoplasmosis (Toxo): 81.66% seropositive women (49 cases).
• Cytomegalovirus infection (CMV): 76.66% seroprevalence (46 cases).

The other TORCH agents showed significant rates: Rubella (43.33%), Herpes type 1 (20%), and Herpes type 2 (23.33%). Furthermore, the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis and CMV was high in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Conclusion: The strong circulation of Toxoplasma gondii and CMV in the city of Likasi highlights a significant risk of materno-fetal transmission and congenital complications (malformations, neurodevelopmental disorders). These observations emphasize the necessity of integrating systematic screening for TORCH infections into prenatal consultation (PNC) programs in Likasi, in order to enable early diagnosis and the implementation of adequate management.