The term TORCH has been applied to maternal infection with recognized detrimental effects on fetus. The serological test is performed to detect the congenitally acquired diseases of toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalic inclusion disease, herpes and others syphilis and varicella infections in infants who manifest symptoms of viral or other infections during the first year of life. The test may also be performed on the mother during pregnancy to screen for diseases that are likely to cause birth defects. When a mother is exposed during the first 5 months of pregnancy, serious complications may occur. The IgM enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is recommended to detect toxoplasmosis or rubella.