HIV/AIDS following sexual assault in Jamaican children and adolescents: a case for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis

West Indian Med J. 2004 Oct;53(5):352-5.

Abstract

Reported sexual assault in Jamaica is highest among children and adolescents. The risk of HIV transmission after sexual assault, although small, may be significant in certain circumstances, and it is therefore reasonable that post-exposure prophylaxis should be offered. These HIV transmission rates are similar to those of healthcare workers after occupational exposure to known HIV-infected blood for which routine post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended. We present a case series of children/adolescents with HIV/AIDS post-sexual assault and make the case for post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV infection following sexual assault.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / transmission
  • Adolescent
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Chemoprevention / statistics & numerical data
  • Child
  • Child Abuse, Sexual*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • HIV Infections / transmission
  • Humans
  • Jamaica
  • Lamivudine / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Rape
  • Risk Factors
  • Zidovudine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Lamivudine
  • Zidovudine