Difficulties in Diagnosing Sexual Abuse in Children with Condyloma Acuminata in Turkey

• NCJ Number: 230279
• Journal: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Dated: January-February 2010 Pages: 35-42
• Author(s): Selda Bulbul; Fulya Demirceken; Baris Cakir; Elif Pinar Cakir; Erdal Unlu; Tutku Soyer
• Date Published: January 2010
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined anogenital condylomata in childhood as an indicator of possible child sexual abuse (CSA).

Abstract

Human papillomavirus is responsible for anogenital warts and could be regarded as an indicator of possible sexual abuse in children. A genital wart was detected during an investigation of anti-hepatitis C virus positivity in a 4-year-old male patient. No pathological findings of another sexually transmitted disease were found except complete cleft palate and circumferential lesions in the perianal region. No family member was anti-hepatitis C virus positive, but the patient's uncle and his wife had genital condylomata. Although detailed physical examination uncovered no other findings indicative of sexual abuse, suspicion of abuse could not be eliminated. Therefore, we wanted to draw the attention of health professionals to the association of anogenital warts and sexual abuse. Figure and references (Published Abstract)