What is in the TORCH Panel?

The TORCH Panel is a molecular diagnostic test designed to detect four pathogens responsible for serious congenital and perinatal infections. It includes:

Tube 1

• Cytomegalovirus (CMV) – FAM/Green
• Toxoplasma gondii – HEX/Yellow
• Rubella virus – ROX/Orange

Tube 2

• Herpes Simplex Virus 1 – FAM/Green
• Herpes Simplex Virus 2 – HEX/Yellow
• Endogenous Internal Control – ROX/Orange

These pathogens are detected using real-time PCR in a multiplex format, allowing simultaneous amplification of three targets per tube. The assay provides rapid, accurate diagnosis, which is crucial in prenatal and neonatal care.

Role of Different Targets in Disease

Toxoplasma gondii

An intracellular parasite transmitted via contaminated food, water, or vertically during pregnancy. While often asymptomatic in immunocompetent adults, congenital toxoplasmosis can lead to miscarriage, brain damage, or vision loss in infants. India’s prevalence ranges from 20–37%, with higher rates in South India.

Rubella Virus

A mild viral illness in children and adults but potentially devastating during pregnancy. Rubella infection in early pregnancy can cause congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), leading to birth defects like deafness, cataracts, and heart anomalies. Early detection and vaccination are key to prevention.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

A widespread herpesvirus that causes severe illness in immunocompromised patients and is the most common congenital viral infection. Infected newborns may experience developmental delays, hearing loss, or vision impairment. CMV may remain latent and reactivate, making detection critical in high-risk populations.

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2 (HSV-1 & HSV-2)

HSV-1 is commonly associated with oral lesions; HSV-2 with genital infections. Both can be transmitted perinatally, leading to neonatal herpes, which may cause encephalitis, disseminated disease, or death. Many infections are asymptomatic, making molecular detection essential for diagnosis and prevention.

Detecting these pathogens together in a TORCH Panel is essential for early intervention, especially in pregnant individuals and immunocompromised patients.

About the TRUPCR® TORCH Panel Kit

The TRUPCR® TORCH Panel Kit is an in vitro nucleic acid amplification assay designed for clinical diagnostics, offering:

• Multiplex detection of all TORCH pathogens
• Endogenous internal control for RNA extraction and amplification integrity
• CDC-aligned assay design for reliable target amplification
• Hot-start polymerase for enhanced specificity
• Compatibility with multiple qPCR platforms

The TRUPCR® TORCH Panel is developed for use with clinical specimens including blood, amniotic fluid, and swabs. It is suitable for high-throughput labs requiring dependable, rapid screening for vertically transmitted infections.

Principle and Workflow

The TORCH Panel operates using a single-step real-time PCR approach:

Workflow Overview:

1. Sample Extraction
   RNA or DNA is extracted from clinical material using standard nucleic acid purification kits.

2. Multiplex Reaction Setup
   Two reaction tubes are prepared per sample, each containing specific primers, probes, and hot-start polymerase enzymes.

3. Real-Time Amplification
   Each tube runs in a thermal cycler capable of detecting FAM, HEX, and ROX fluorophores. The internal control is monitored to validate assay performance.

4. Result Interpretation
   Cycle threshold (Ct) values are reviewed to determine target presence. The presence of a valid RNaseP or internal control signal ensures result reliability.

This method supports accurate, early diagnosis without manual post-PCR processing.

Clinical Application

The TORCH Panel is essential in:

• Prenatal screening for congenital infections
• Neonatal diagnostics in suspected congenital disease
• Fertility and reproductive health clinics
• Transplant and oncology departments screening immunocompromised patients
• General infectious disease diagnostics in hospitals and reference labs

Early detection of TORCH pathogens can reduce perinatal complications, guide treatment strategies, and support infection control programs. The TRUPCR® TORCH Panel provides labs with a robust and efficient diagnostic solution to improve patient care in maternal-fetal medicine and beyond.