Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)What is LGV?LGV is an uncommon genital or anorectal (affecting the anus and/or rectum) infection that is caused by a rare strain of the bacteria, Chlamydia trachomatis (this strain is different from the strain that causes genital-urinary tract infection). Patients may develop tender, lymph nodes in the groin, which may open and drain. Patients may report having recently had a genital ulcer that subsequently healed. 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 3-30 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?Once LGV is diagnosed, it is usually treated with antibiotics. Treatment is with doxycycline by mouth for three weeks. If this is not an option, for example, because of a drug allergy, erythromycin taken by mouth for three weeks can be used as an alternative. A person who has been exposed to another person with LGV should be examined for signs and symptoms of LGV infection, as well as for chlamydial infection of the genital tract, since the two strains of Chlamydia trachomatis can co-exist. If the exposure occurred within 60 days of the onset of their partner's symptoms of LGV, the exposed person should be treated with a standard chlamydia regimen (azithromycin 1 gm orally x 1 or Doxycycline 100 mg orally twice a day for 7 days). Special Considerations
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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) CDC National Prevention Information Network (NPIN) American Social Health Association (ASHA) |
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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 |