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Anogenital warts in childhood.
R M Hanson1, M Glasson, I McCrossin
1Children's Hospital, Camperdown, NSW Australia.
Child Abuse & Neglect
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Anogenital warts in children are often linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6/11, 16/18, and 2. The study suggests that the presence of these warts alone warrants investigation for potential sexual abuse.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
- Gynecology
Background:
- Anogenital warts in children can be associated with sexual abuse.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the causative agent of warts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the HPV types in pediatric anogenital warts.
- To assess the correlation between anogenital warts and sexual abuse in children.
- To determine the implications of HPV typing in these cases.
Main Methods:
- Case series of fifteen children with anogenital warts.
- HPV DNA dot and Southern blot hybridization for papillomavirus typing.
- Clinical assessment for sexual abuse based on history and examination.
Main Results:
- HPV types 6/11 were detected in seven specimens, HPV 2 in two, and HPV 16/18 in one.
- Sexual abuse was established in six of twelve cases referred for assessment.
- Anogenital warts alone were considered sufficient grounds for pursuing sexual abuse allegations.
Conclusions:
- The HPV types found in children are consistent with those in adults.
- Detection of HPV 16/18 necessitates long-term monitoring due to oncogenic potential.
- The presence of anogenital warts in children should prompt investigation for sexual abuse, as non-sexual transmission is less likely.