Infectious aetiology of congenital cataract based on torch

Objectives: this study was done to determine the infectious association of congenital cataract based on presence of antibodies against torch (toxoplasma gondii,rubella virus,cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus) in the serum sample of congenital cataract patients. methods: serum samples collected from 68 infants (10 days to 1 year) with clinically diagnosed congenital cataract at department of ophthalmology unit-i,dow medical college and civil hospital,karachi from june 2011 to january 2013. results: antibodies against torch organisms were present in 16 (23.52%) patients. 10 (14.7%) out of them were males and 6 (8.82%) were female. 11 (16.17%) patients had antibodies against one infectious agent and 5 (7.35%) patients had antibodies against two or more infectious agents. conclusion: majority of patients with positive antibodies were positive for cytomegalovirus. antibodies against rubella and herpes simplex virus were less commonly associated in this patient population. none positive for toxoplasma gondii. © 2015,liaquat university of medical and health sciences. all rights reserved.