Evaluation of sexual abuse in an infant with condyloma acuminatum

Condyloma acuminatum is a skin infection affecting the anogenital area caused by the human papilloma virus and is usually sexually transmitted in adults. The disease in children is rare and the mode of transmission is controversial. Because of the possibility that children with condyloma acuminatum have been sexually abused, a thorough medical and social evaluation is essential. However, the physician should bear in mind the possibility of nonsexual transmission. Effective management of condyloma acuminatum in prepubertal children involves a multidisciplinary approach and cooperation. We present an 11-month-old girl with genital lesions of condyloma acuminatum. Similar lesions were found in her father's penile area. These findings suggested the possibility of sexual abuse as the cause of the infection. However, detailed, meticulous investigation of the case did not support this suspicion. Our final impression was that transmission was probably nonsexual, as there was no evidence for sexual abuse.