The TORCH syndrome refers very broadly to infection with pathogens that are known to cause perinatal infection and contribute to neonatal morbidity and mortality. The TORCH acronym refers to the following perinatal infections: toxoplasmosis, other (including syphilis, varicella zoster virus, hepatitis B virus, human immunodeficiency virus, and parvovirus B19), rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus.

Clinical presentation varies depending on the pathogenic organism, and any given symptom is usually not specific to one particular infection. A thorough maternal history is necessary to identify possible exposures. Some signs indicative of possible congenital infection include rash, thrombocytopenia, jaundice, seizures, microcephaly, or congenital heart disease. Some patients may be asymptomatic at birth.

The classic findings in toxoplasmosis include chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus, and intracranial calcifications. For rubella, the classic findings are cataracts, heart defects, and sensorineural hearing loss. For cytomegalovirus, common findings are low birth weight, central nervous system (CNS) damage, liver involvement, and ocular or auditory damage. Newborns with herpes simplex virus infection can have localized disease, CNS disease, or disseminated disease.

In the United States, pregnant patients are frequently screened for rubella and syphilis in an attempt to prevent congenital infection.