Vaginal Gonococcal Cultures in Sexual Abuse Evaluations: Evaluation of Selective Criteria for Preteenaged Girls

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Objective. Accurate selective criteria could limit the number of vaginal cultures for Neisseria gonorrhoeae performed on preteenaged girls as part of their sexual abuse evaluations. This study was performed to determine whether the published selective criteria by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect and by Siegel et al would have accurately detected all cases of vaginal gonococcal infections in our large study population.Methods. We prospectively studied girls, ages 1 to 12 years, who were referred to our Child Sexual Abuse Team (CSAT) at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh, NC, between July 1, 1976 to July 1, 1996, for sexual abuse evaluations which were performed using a protocol that included collecting historical information, a sexual abuse interview, and a detailed genital examination which included a vaginal culture for N gonorrhoeae.Results

Children's response to the medical visit for allegations of sexual abuse: maternal perceptions and predicting variables

“…However, only 43% of the children who underwent cultures considered them as not distressful, while 33% found them very distressing. This highlights the importance of gathering information about the abuse beforehand in order to limit cultures to selective clinical situations (American Academy of Pediatrics, 1991;Ingram et al, 1997;Siegel et al, 1995).…”

“…The medical evaluation includes a thorough examination of the genital and anal area in order to assess if there are any signs of acute or chronic injury needing treatment. Although screening procedures for sexually transmitted diseases are now being limited by selective criteria (American Academy of Pediatrics, 1991;Ingram et al, 1997;Siegel et al, 1995), there are still some situations where specimens are collected for forensic purposes.…”

Vaginal microbiocoenosis and cytology of prepubertal and adolescent girls: their role in health and disease

“…Further evaluation reveals a specifi c etiology such as Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Candida albicans, anaerobic bacteria refl ective of bacterial vaginosis, or others (Table 1). [5,[19][20][21][22] …”

What is the evidence for non-sexual transmission of gonorrhoea in children after the neonatal period? A systematic review

“…[93][94][95][96][97][98][99] A recent case is reported of an 8 year old pre-pubescent girl contracting gonorrhoea during 72 h in transit flying from Rome to Sydney via Moscow. 100 The toilets were dirty and the child always used a piece of toilet paper to wipe the seat before using it.…”