Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)What is LGV? Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is caused by C. trachomatis. The most common clinical manifestation of LGV among heterosexuals is tender inguinal and/or femoral lymphadenopathy that is typically unilateral. A self-limited genital ulcer or papule sometimes occurs at the site of inoculation. However, by the time patients seek care, the lesions have often disappeared. Rectal exposure in women or men who have sex with men (MSM) can result in proctocolitis, including mucoid and/or hemorrhagic rectal discharge, anal pain, constipation, fever, and/or tenesmus. LGV is an invasive, systemic infection, and if it is not treated early, LGV proctocolitis can lead to chronic, colorectal fistulas and strictures. Genital and colorectal LGV lesions can also develop secondary bacterial infection or can be coinfected with other sexually and nonsexually transmitted pathogens. Genital and lymph node specimens (i.e., lesion swab or bubo aspirate) can be tested for C. Trachomatis. In the absence of specific LGV diagnostic testing, patients with a clinical syndrome consistent with LGV, including proctocolitis or genital ulcer disease with lymphadenopathy, should be treated for LGV as described in this report. How do people get LGV? LGV can be transmitted during vaginal and anal sex. What are the symptoms of LGV? Early symptoms of LGV infection include a small, painless ulcer on the genitals or anus occurring three to thirty days following exposure. More common symptoms include tender lymph nodes in the groin area that may be swollen and inflamed with genital exposure, and/or rectal bleeding and drainage from the rectum with receptive anal exposure. What complications can result form untreated LGV? Lymph nodes in the groin area can swell and rupture causing permanent scarring and severe pain. Patients with rectal infections can have pain around the anus, drainage from the rectum, and rectal bleeding. If left untreated, infection can lead to rectal scarring and permanent narrowing (stricture) of the rectum. How is LGV diagnosed? The diagnosis of LGV is suspected in a person with typical symptoms and in whom other diagnoses, such as chancroid, herpes and syphilis have been excluded. The diagnosis is usually made by a blood test that detects specific antibodies to chlamydia, which are produced as part of the body's immune response to becoming infected with LGV. Additional tests may be available through your doctor. What is the treatment for LGV? Treatment cures infection and prevents ongoing tissue damage, although tissue reaction to the infection can result in scarring. Buboes might require aspiration through intact skin or incision and drainage to prevent the formation of inguinal/femoral ulcerations. Doxycycline is the preferred treatment 100 mg orally twice a day for 21 days. If Doxycycline cannot be used, Erythromycin 500 mg orally four times a day for 21 days can be substituted. FollowupPatients should be followed clinically until signs and symptoms have resolved. Management of Sex Partners Persons who have had sexual contact with a patient who has LGV within the 60 days before onset of the patient’s symptoms should be examined, tested for urethral or cervical chlamydial infection, and treated with a chlamydia regimen (azithromycin 1 gm orally single dose or doxycycline 100 mg orally twice a day for seven days). Special Considerations PregnancyPregnant and lactating women should be treated with erythromycin. Azithromycin might prove useful for treatment of LGV in pregnancy, but no published data are available regarding its safety and efficacy. Doxycycline is contraindicated in pregnant women. HIV InfectionPersons with both LGV and HIV infection should receive the same regimens as those who are HIV negative. Prolonged therapy might be required, and delay in resolution of symptoms might occur. How can LGV be prevented? There are a number of ways to prevent or reduce the risk of acquiring or transmitting LGV :
Where can I get more information? Illinois Department of Public Health HIV/STD Hotline 800-243-2437 (TTY 800-782-0423)
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
www.cdc.gov/std/
STD information and referrals to STD Clinics
CDC National Prevention Information Network
(NPIN)
American Social Health Association
(ASHA)
www.ashastd.org |
Illinois Department
of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments |