HIV/AIDS following sexual assault in Jamaican children and adolescents: a case for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis
Steel-Duncan, J.C.; Pierre, R.; Evans-Gilbert, T.; Rodriquez, B.; Christie, C.D.C.
West Indian Medical Journal 53(5): 352-355
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0043-3144 PMID: 15675503 Document Number: 264447
Reported sexual assault in Jamaica is highest among children and adolescents. The risk of HIV transmission after sexual assault, although small, may be significant in certain circumstances, and it is therefore reasonable that post-exposure prophylaxis should be offered. These HIV transmission rates are similar to those of healthcare workers after occupational exposure to known HIV-infected blood for which routine post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended. We present a case series of children/adolescents with HIV/AIDS post-sexual assault and make the case for post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV infection following sexual assault.