Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, and syphilis infections among pregnant women and infants in Malaysia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abdirahman Hussein Elmi, Ahmad Adebayo Irekeola, Hafeez Abiola Afolabi, Khalid Hajissa, Yusuf Wada, Chan Yean Yean, Zeehaida MohamedBackground
Toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, and syphilis (TORCH) infections in infants and pregnant women are a cause for concern. However, the true prevalence of the infections among these populations in Malaysia is unknown.
Methodology
This study represents the first systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the seroprevalence of TORCH agents in pregnant women and infants in Malaysia. Data from scientific articles published until November 2025 were analyzed.
Results
A total of 19 reports on the seroprevalence of infection by TORCH agents in Malaysia were analyzed. The overall seroprevalence was 32.5% (95% CI [16.6–53.8%]; I 2 = 99.4%; p < 0.001) among pregnant women and infants in Malaysia. Based on the target population, 27.7% and 35.1% seroprevalence were found in pregnant women and infants, respectively. Among the TORCH agent types, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in pregnant women and infants demonstrated the highest seroprevalence (93.2% and 95.9%, respectively), while Treponema pallidum ( T. pallidum ) seroprevalence was the lowest among pregnant women (1.1%) and infants (4%).
Conclusions
This study reveals a high seroprevalence of TORCH infection and underscores the importance of adequately screening pregnant women to prevent potential vertical transmission to the neonate.