Seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, and syphilis infections among pregnant women and infants in Malaysia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background 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.