Mukherjee SK
Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Dhaka
Title: ToRCH positivity amongst children presenting with congenital hydrocephalus in Bangladesh
Biography
Biography: Mukherjee SK
Abstract
Introduction: ToRCH is an acronym for four congenital infections that are sometimes difficult to distinguish: Toxoplasmosis, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes Simplex Virus. This group of organisms produces serious CNS and other infections, which are potentially preventable and treatable.
Methods: Neonates and infants with hydrocephalus (N = 65) identified via the outpatient department of the National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital (NINS&H), were prospectively screened for ToRCH antibodies. Patients with hydrocephalus secondary to tumor, trauma, hemorrhage, arachnoid cyst, and Dandy Walker Malformation were excluded from this study.
Results: Evidence of 75.38% of patients was positive for ToRCH antibodies. T. Gondii IgG 18.5%, CMV IgM 9.2 %, CMV Ig G 47.7%, Rubella, and Herpesvirus 1& 2 antibodies were also identified.
Conclusion: The vast majority of cases of idiopathic neonatal hydrocephalus at one institution were post-infectious in etiology and related to ToRCH infections. Many of these cases could have been prevented with improved maternal education, screening and treatment. While this single institution study may not be representative of the entire population, further study and implementation of a standardized screening protocol would likely benefit this population.