Introduction: Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was not well known in female rape victims.
Aim: To assess the prevalence and correlated factors of STIs--especially Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhea (NG), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) in female rape victims presenting to a dedicated regional referral center in South Korea after settle down of intergrated service center for sexual abuse in study hospital.
Main outcome measures: Positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) result for CT, NG, and CMV.
Methods: A retrospective observational analysis was conducted from December 2008 to February 2010. All females, regardless of age and previous sexual history, who were victims of rape, and self presented or referred to the regional center for medical care and couselling were included. Relevant diagnostic tests for STIs--including PCR by cervical swab-were performed. Analysis for virgin (VIR) and nonvirgin (non-VIR) groups was done separately to compare certain clinical characteristics.
Results: A total of 316 females were included. Overall STI prevalence was 32.91%; CT in a majority (28.85%) followed by NG (6.27%), CMV(1.37%). In VIR group, prevalence of STI was 26.67%; 20.00% in CT, 4.55% in GN, 2.33% in CMV. A small and non-significant difference in STI was noted in VIR and non-VIR groups (26.67% vs. 34.26%, respectively). STI prevalence was higher in young women 20 to 24 years of age and girls 15 to 19 years of age compared with other age groups. Age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.909, confidence interval [CI]: 0.851-0.971) and pyuria (OR: 3.454, CI: 1.567-7.614) were determined as significant correlated factors after multivariate regression analysis.
Conclusions: Prevalence of CT and GN in female rape victims was introduced and it was higher than that in the general population. Even in the VIR group, it was high. CMV prevalence in the female genital tract was reported firstly.
© 2010 International Society for Sexual Medicine.