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Sexual Abuse
- The only positive vaginal culture that is DEFINITIVE confirmation of sexual abuse is Neisseria gonorrhea.
- Vertically transmitted Chlamydia may persist for up to 3 years (does not confirm abuse in children <3yrs)
- Syphilis may also be present due to vertical transmission (often presents as secondary syphilis)
- Trichomonas can also be transmitted perinatally and may persist for 6-9 months.
- However, it has NOT been found in children >1 year without history of sexual contact.
- Remember that CULTURES need to be sent for GC and Chlamydia. DNA probes and nonculture methods are NOT recommended in this age group for evaluation of potential sexual abuse.