Sexually transmitted infections in alleged sexual abuse of children and adolescents

AIM: To describe the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) in children and young people aged 0-17 years seen for suspected sexual abuse in Auckland, New Zealand. METHODS: Retrospective review of consecutive medical records over a 7-year period from December 1991 to December 1998. RESULTS: A total of 2162 children and young people had a genital examination related to concerns about possible sexual abuse, of whom 1909 (88.3%) had some form of screening test for STI. Sixty children and young people (2.8%) had STI, diagnosed either by examination, laboratory investigation, or both. The rate was 5.6% (43/770) in those aged 10 years or older and 1.2% (17/1392) in those aged under 10 years. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of STI in children and young people referred for suspected sexual abuse is low but significant. Chlamydia and pelvic inflammatory disease were the most common infections. No STI was found in an asymptomatic pre-pubertal child.