Sexual assault and sexually transmitted diseases: detection and management in adults and children
Schwarcz, S.K.; Whittington, W.L.
Reviews of Infectious Diseases 12(Suppl 6): S682-S690
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0162-0886 PMID: 2201079 DOI: 10.1093/clinids/12.supplement_6.s682Document Number: 381520
This article focuses on the detection and management of sexual assault and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in adults and children. Sexual assault is a violent crime affecting both men and women and children of all ages. Sexual abuse can take many forms with rape being the most common form of sexual assault among adults. Among children, sexual assault ranges from fondling to oral and genital contact. Studies showed that the rates of gonorrhea and syphilis in adult victims range from 6% to 12% and from 0% to 3%, respectively. As to other STDs, the risk of acquiring Chlamydia trachomatis infection appears highest. Although the general prevalence of STDs among abused children remained low, studies indicated that gonococcal and chlamydial infections are frequent in this group. Moreover, post-assault infections with herpes simplex viruses, hepatitis B viruses, and HIV have been described in both adults and children. Due to the risk of STDs, prompt, sensitive, and competent care for assaulted victims is necessary which include an evaluation for STDs right after the assault and during follow-up. For adult victims, treatment should be given during the initial evaluation for any infections identified at that time. Treatment of abused children follows the same principles as treatment of adult victims but drug dosage is adjusted depending on body weight.