The diagnosis of a sexually transmitted infection in a child is often regarded as strong evidence that sexual abuse has occurred. Therefore, such a diagnosis has profound medicolegal implications, and the consequences of incorrect diagnosis can be devastating. In a new initiative and in collaboration with the Northern Territory Government Sexual Assault Referral Centre, we are investigating conceivable mechanisms by which “false positive” diagnoses may occur.

The infectious agent of primary interest is Chlamydia trachomatis, which causes both ocular and urogenital infections. We are investigating the C. trachomatis population structure in the Northern Territory to determine if transmission from the eye to the urogenital site can occur, and also investigating possible mechanisms that may (or may not) result in very rare instances of diagnostic specimens becoming contaminated.

Staff: Phil Giffard, Steven Tong, Bart Currie, Rachael Lilliebridge, Patiyan Andersson.