Citation

Verdich JU. Ugeskr. Laeger 1989; 151(9): 555-557.

Vernacular Title

Veneriske sygdomme hos born og seksuelt misbrug.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989, Den Alm Danske Laegerforening)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

2922864

Abstract

Sexual abuse in children is reported increasingly frequently. The abuse frequently comes to the attention of the authorities when the children present symptoms which raise the suspicion of sexual abuse. One of these symptoms may be sexually transmitted disease in the child. Previously, there was a tendency to accept the possibility that sexually transmitted disease in children could be transmitted by other means than sexual contact, eg indirectly by infected bedclothes and toilet articles. Where gonorrhoea is concerned, no documentation exists in the literature for non-sexual infection in children. Condylomata acuminata are caused by infection with the human papilloma virus and may possibly infect children by non-sexual contact in rare instances but, in the majority of cases, meticulous investigation of the surroundings of the children will raise the suspicion of sexual abuse as the cause of the infection. The case history of gonococcal vulvo-vaginitis in a girl aged 23 months were the source of infection could not be successfully proved is mentioned. Two case histories are reported concerning anal condylomata acuminata in a girl aged nine years who had been sexually abused and a girl aged 25 months where there was a strong suspicion of sexual abuse but where the source of infection remained unknown. On the basis of literature from recent years and the case histories reported here, it is concluded that all gonococcal infections in children must be regarded as being sexually transmitted and these should, therefore, be reported to the social authorities. In addition, all children with ano-genital condylomata acuminata should be investigated meticulously for sexual abuse and be reported to the social authorities, if the suspicion is well founded.

Language: da