Which TORCH infection is associated with periventricular calcifications, sensorineural hearing loss, microcephaly, and chorioretinitis, and is the most common congenital viral infection worldwide?

• A Congenital toxoplasmosis
• B Congenital rubella
• C Congenital herpes simplex
• D Congenital cytomegalovirus ✓

Explanation

Congenital CMV (cytomegalovirus) is the most common congenital viral infection worldwide, affecting approximately 0.5–1% of all live births. It classically causes periventricular calcifications (distinguishing it from toxoplasmosis, which causes diffuse calcifications), microcephaly, sensorineural hearing loss (the most common cause of non-hereditary SNHL in children), and chorioretinitis. Diagnosis is by urine or saliva CMV PCR in the first 3 weeks of life. Oral valganciclovir for 6 months improves neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.