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Sexually transmitted diseases in sexually abused children

A R De Jong

    Sexually Transmitted Diseases
    |July 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Sexually transmitted diseases, including gonorrhea, are prevalent in abused children under 14. Routine screening is crucial as many infections are asymptomatic or present at unexpected sites.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Forensic Medicine

    Background:

    • Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can affect child abuse victims.
    • Understanding STD prevalence in this population is vital for diagnosis and care.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine the prevalence and patterns of STDs in sexually abused children.
    • To assess the utility of routine microbiologic screening.

    Main Methods:

    • Evaluated 532 victims under 14 for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Treponema pallidum.
    • Conducted detailed microbiologic examinations on selected cases with specific symptoms.
    • Performed routine oropharyngeal and anogenital cultures.

    Main Results:

    • Identified 34 infections in 33 children; 25 (4.7%) had gonorrhea.
    • Higher gonorrhea rates observed in cases with multiple abuse episodes, delayed reporting, or "suspicion of abuse" evaluations.
    • 32% of gonococcal infections were at sites not reported as abused; 44% of infected children were asymptomatic.

    Conclusions:

    • Routine cultures for STDs are indicated in sexually abused children.
    • Screening detects asymptomatic and unsuspected infections, including oral, vaginal, and rectal gonorrhea.
    • Early detection and treatment are essential for the health and well-being of child abuse victims.

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