Nonsexual transmission of sexually transmitted diseases: an infrequent occurrence.

Sexually transmitted diseases occur in epidemic numbers in the United States today. Nonsexual transmission of these diseases is rarely an issue in adults. However, when the same diseases are found in children, the tendency of pediatricians and other health care practitioners has been to believe the mode of transmission is asexual. A review of gonorrhea, Chlamydia trachomatis, herpes genitalis, condyloma acuminata, Trichomonas vaginalis, syphilis, chancroid, and granuloma inguinale infections has been made to address the issue of nonsexual transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Nonsexual transmission of these infections is an infrequent occurrence and when they affect the prepubertal child, sexual abuse must be highly suspected.