Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Sexual Abuse or Not?
Rainbow Clinic for Abused Children, April 2020
Refer to Appendix C: STI Diagnostics
HPV is a relatively common finding in the anogenital areas of children, especially in the presence of HIV. It is known to be perinatally transmitted (20% transmission rate) and can be found in asymptomatic children. The finding of papillomas or vesicles in young children is difficult to interpret when a suspicion of sexual abuse is present. The location of the lesions is non-specific and serology/ DNA typing does not assist in determining the mode of transmission. A general rule of thumb is: the older the child, the more significant the finding of papillomas or vesicles are (in terms of possible sexual transmission).
The Centre for Disease Control in the USA states, “The identification of a sexually transmissible agent from a child beyond the neonatal period suggests sexual abuse”.
Step by Step Guide to the Management of Child Abuse; Rainbow Clinic, RMMCH; Version: July 2023; Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Sexual Abuse or Not?