What is TORCH?

• A. Toxoplasma, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes
• B. Toxoplasma, Other infections, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus
• C. Toxoplasma, Other infections, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes
• D. Toxoplasma, Other infections, Rubella, Varicella

Answer: (C)

TORCH refers to a group of congenital infections that can cross the placenta and affect the fetus, leading to a range of neonatal abnormalities. The acronym stands for Toxoplasma gondii, Other infections, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes simplex virus. The “Other infections” category is a catch‑all for additional pathogens that can be transmitted to the fetus, such as syphilis, varicella-zoster, parvovirus B19, and HIV. Because the question asks what TORCH represents, the complete and most accurate wording includes all five components listed. The other options omit one or more components (for example, leaving out the “Other infections” category or replacing one item like Cytomegalovirus or Herpes with Varicella), making them incomplete.