Congenital TORCH Infections in Infants and Young Children

Abstract

This article describes a group of congenital infections called TORCH infections. TORCH infections, including toxoplasmosis, syphilis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes, may result in significant developmental disability in children who are congenitally infected. These children and their families are often in need of early intervention services, yet program staff may have concerns over including them in group programs and activities. This article describes methods of transmission, incidence, and developmental outcomes for some of the most common congenital TORCH infections. Medical terminology that early interventionists may encounter in these children's developmental histories is incorporated and defined throughout the text, and program implications for early intervention are drawn.