The detection rate of antibodies to TORCH agents in the residents of certain regions of the Russian Federation

Objective. To estimate infection rates for main TORCH agents, such as T. gondii, cytomegalovirus (CMV), rubella virus, and herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2), in certain population groups from the Samara, Kaluga, and Lipetsk Regions of Russia. Materials and methods. Epidemiological analysis of 564 364 studies applying ELISA to detect specific IgM and IgG antibodies in blood samples with reagent kits (ZAO «EKOlab») approved for use in Russia. Results. Different standards were established to examine the population in the regions of the Russian Federation. The detection of specific IgG antibodies could determine high infection rates in Russia’s population for HSV-1 (89.3%), rubella virus (85.8%), CMV(77.1%) and average values for T. gondii (41.7%) and HSV-2 (16.1%). Regional differences were found. There were specific IgM antibodies to T. gondii (2.4%), rubella virus (0.55%), CMV (2.5%), HSV-1 and HSV-2 (7.6%). In 24.6% of the cases, the blood level of IgG antibodies to rubella virus was below the protective level (25 IU/ml). Conclusion. The epidemiological surveillance system for the spread of TORCH infections in the Russian Federation needs to optimize and standardize the scope of a serological survey of the population, by identifying the markers of humoral immunity.

TORCH infections, enzyme immunoassay, IgG and IgM antibodies, epidemiological survey, regions of Russia