Abstract
The genital mycoplasmas UU and MH have long been considered as possible pathogens of the genital tract. They are thought to be a major cause of nonspecific urethritis in adult males, and colonization after puberty is closely related to sexual activity. However, their role in pediatric genital infections has not been evaluated. The association of gonorrhea and chlamydia with sexual abuse in children prompted us to study UU and MH as possible markers for sexual abuse.
40 children presenting for evaluation of suspected sexual abuse were studied. Vaginal or urethral cultures were taken for N. gonorrhea, chlamydia, UU and MH. 19 patients (48%) were colonized with UU. 5 patients (12%) were colonized with MH. We compared this data with previously reported rates of colonization in “normal” children (Fed. Clin. NA 21:457, 1974) by chi square analysis.
The significantly increased rate of UU colonization among SA children suggests that UU is often acquired following sexual abuse.
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Coury, D., Dohar, J., Haines, G. et al. 521 U. UREALYTICUM (UU) AND M, HOMINIS (MH) COLONIZATION AMONG SEXUALLY ABUSED (SA) CHILDREN. Pediatr Res 19, 197 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00551
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00551
