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Updated: Jul 11, 2026
12:33
Determination of Biofilm Initiation on Virus-infected Cells by Bacteria and Fungi
Published on: July 6, 2016
Bacterial colonization in suspected sexually abused children
Petra Kohlberger1, Dagmar Bancher-Todesca
1Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria. petra.kohlberger@meduniwien.at
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
|September 18, 2007
Summary
Bacterial colonization is common in children suspected of sexual abuse, but sexually transmitted diseases are rare. Most bacterial findings were not linked to symptoms or injuries, except for Bacteroides.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gynecology
- Infectious Diseases
- Forensic Medicine
Background:
- Previous research linked symptomatic Gardnerella vaginalis in children to sexual abuse.
- Gardnerella vaginalis is one cause of bacterial vaginosis.
- This study investigates common bacterial colonization and STDs in children evaluated for sexual abuse.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of bacterial colonization and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in prepubertal children evaluated for sexual abuse.
- To correlate these findings with patient characteristics and clinical symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of medical records from 180 girls (median age at first sexual abuse 7.44 years) between 1996 and 2006.
- Statistical analysis using SPSS software.
- Evaluation of bacterial colonization and STD prevalence.
Main Results:
- Only 18.3% of patients reported vaginal discharge or itching.
- STDs were infrequent: Gonorrhea (1.8%), Chlamydia trachomatis (1.6%), Trichomonas vaginalis (0.7%). Syphilis and HIV were not detected.
- Common bacterial colonization included Enterobacteriaceae (41.3%), Staphylococcus Koag neg. (30.6%), Streptococcus a haemolyticus (28.9%), and Gardnerella vaginalis (24%).
Conclusions:
- Sexually transmitted diseases are uncommon in children suspected of sexual abuse.
- Bacterial colonization is frequent but generally not associated with clinical symptoms or injuries.
- Bacteroides colonization was an exception, showing a correlation with symptoms.
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