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Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection.
Alternative NamesLGV; Lymphogranuloma inguinale; Lymphopathia venereum
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsLymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a chronic (long-term) infection of the lymphatic system caused by three different types of the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacteria spread through sexual contact. The infection is caused by a different bacteria than that which causes genital chlamydia.
LGV is more common in Central and South America than in North America. Every year, a few hundred cases of LGV are diagnosed in the United States. However, the actual number of infections is unknown.
LGV is more common in men than women. The main risk factor is having multiple sexual partners.
SymptomsSymptoms of LGV can begin a few days to a month after coming in contact with the bacteria. Symptoms include:
- Small painless ulcer on the male genitalia or in the female genital tract
- Swelling and redness of the skin in the groin area
- Swollen groin lymph nodes on one or both sides; it may also affect lymph nodes around the rectum in those who have anal intercourse
- Drainage through the skin from lymph nodes in groin
- Blood or pus from the rectum (blood in the stools)
- Painful bowel movements (tenesmus)
- Swelling of the labia
The infection can cause diarrhea and lower abdominal pain. Women may develop abnormal connections called fistulas between the vagina and rectum.
Signs and testsThe health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your medical history. It is important to tell your doctor if you had sexual contact with someone who has had lymphogranuloma venereum.
A physical exam may show:
- An ulcer on the genitals
- An oozing, abnormal connection (fisula) in the rectal area
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin (inguinal lymphadenopathy)
- Drainage through the skin from lymph nodes in the groin
- Swelling of the vulva or labia in women
Tests may include:
- Biopsy of the lymph node
- Blood test for the bacteria that causes LGV
- Laboratory test to detect chlamydia
This condition can be cured with the proper antibiotics. Those commonly prescribed to treat LGV include tetracycline, doxycycline, and erythromycin.
Expectations (prognosis)With treatment, the outlook is good.
Complications- Abnormal connections between the rectum and vagina
- Brain inflammation (very rare)
- Infections in the joints, eyes, heart, or liver
- Long-term inflammation and swelling of the genitalia
- Scarring and narrowing of the rectum
Complications can occur many years after the initial infection.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have been in contact with someone who may a sexually transmitted disease, including LVG. Also call if symptoms of LVG develop.
PreventionAbstaining from sexual activity is the only absolute way to prevent a sexually transmitted disease. Safer sex behaviors may reduce the risk.
The proper use of condoms, either the male or female type, greatly decreases the risk of catching a sexually transmitted disease. You need to wear the condom from the beginning to the end of each sexual activity.
ReferencesStamm WE, Jones RB, Batteiger BE. Chlamydia trachomatis (trachoma, perinatal infections, lymphogranuloma venereum, and other genital infections). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2005:chap 177.
Eckert LO, Lentz GM. Infections of the lower genital tract: vulva, vagina, cervix, Toxic shock syndrome, HIV infections. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 22.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Workowski KA, Berman SM. Diseases characterized by genital ulcers. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines 2006. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2006 Aug 4;55(RR-11):14-30.
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection.
Alternative NamesLGV; Lymphogranuloma inguinale; Lymphopathia venereum
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsLymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a chronic (long-term) infection of the lymphatic system caused by three different types of the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacteria spread through sexual contact. The infection is not caused by the same bacteria that cause genital chlamydia.
LGV is more common in Central and South America than in North America. Every year, a few hundred cases of LGV are diagnosed in the United States. However, the actual number of infections is unknown.
LGV is more common in men than women. The main risk factor is being HIV-positive.
SymptomsSymptoms of LGV can begin a few days to a month after coming in contact with the bacteria. Symptoms include:
- Blood or pus from the rectum (blood in the stools)
- Drainage through the skin from lymph nodes in the groin
- Painful bowel movements (tenesmus)
- Small painless sore on the male genitals or in the female genital tract
- Swelling and redness of the skin in the groin area
- Swelling of the labia
- Swollen groin lymph nodes on one or both sides; it may also affect lymph nodes around the rectum in people who have anal intercourse
The infection can cause diarrhea and lower abdominal pain.
Signs and testsThe health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your medical history. It is important to tell your doctor if you had sexual contact with someone who has had lymphogranuloma venereum.
A physical exam may show:
- An oozing, abnormal connection (fisula) in the rectal area
- A sore on the genitals
- Drainage through the skin from lymph nodes in the groin
- Swelling of the vulva or labia in women
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin (inguinal lymphadenopathy)
Tests may include:
- Biopsy of the lymph node
- Blood test for the bacteria that causes LGV
- Laboratory test to detect chlamydia
This condition can be cured with the right antibiotics. Antibiotics that are commonly prescribed to treat LGV include tetracycline, doxycycline, erythromycin, and azithromycin.
Expectations (prognosis)With treatment, the outlook is good.
Complications- Abnormal connections between the rectum and vagina
- Brain inflammation (very rare)
- Infections in the joints, eyes, heart, or liver
- Long-term inflammation and swelling of the genitals
- Scarring and narrowing of the rectum
Complications can occur many years after you are first infected.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if:
- You have been in contact with someone who may a sexually transmitted disease, including LGV
- You develop symptoms of LGV
Abstaining from sexual activity is the only absolute way to prevent a sexually transmitted disease. Safer sex behaviors may reduce the risk.
The proper use of condoms, either the male or female type, greatly decreases the risk of catching a sexually transmitted disease. You need to wear the condom from the beginning to the end of each sexual activity.
ReferencesStamm WE, Batteiger BE. Chlamydia trachomatis(trachoma, perinatal infections, lymphogranuloma venereum, and other genital infections). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 180.
Eckert LO, Lentz GM. Infections of the lower genital tract: vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, HIV infections. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 22.
Workowski KA, Berman S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Workowski KA, Berman SM. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines 2010. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2010 Dec 17;59:1-110.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 08/24/2011
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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Who discovered lymphogranuloma venereum?
Lymphogranuloma venereum was first described by British physician Sir William Laurence in 1913. He identified it as a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
How can lymphogranuloma venereum be prevented?
Prevention of lymphogranuloma venereum has four important aspects: Avoidance of casual sexual contacts, particularly with prostitutes, in countries with high rates of the disease. Observance of proper safeguards by health professionals.
What is lymphogranuloma venereum?
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted systemic disease (STD) caused by a parasitic organism closely related to certain types of bacteria. It affects the lymph nodes and rectal area, as well as the genitals.
How is lymphogranuloma venereum diagnosed?
There are several blood tests that can be used to confirm the diagnosis of LGV. The most commonly used are the complement fixation (CF) test and the microimmunofluorescence (micro-IF) tests.
What does the abbreviation LGV stand for?
Depending on context, LGV may stand for "Ligne à grande vitesse", or high speed train (HST) in English; or it may stand for lymphogranuloma venereum, a sexually transmitted disease.
What is the treatment for lymphogranuloma venereum?
LGV is treated with oral antibiotics, usually tetracycline or doxycycline for 10-20 days, or erythromycin or trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole for 14 days. Pregnant women are usually treated with erythromycin rather than the tetracyclines.
What is the prognosis for a patient with lymphogranuloma venereum?
The prognosis for recovery for most patients is good, with the exception of AIDS patients. Prompt treatment of the early stages of LGV is essential to prevent transmission of the disease as well as fertility problems and other serious.
What population groups tend to get lymphogranuloma venereum?
LGV is most likely to occur among people living in tropical or subtropical countries and among military personnel or tourists in countries or large cities with high rates of the disease. Prostitutes play a major role.
What are the symptoms of lymphogranuloma venereum?
After an incubation period of four to 30 days, a small painless ulcer or blister develops in the genital area. Second-stage LGV develops between one and six weeks later. In this stage, the infection spreads to the lymphatic system.
What diseases are caused by Chlamydia trachomatis?
There are three subtypes of Chlamydia trachomatis that each cause different diseases. One causes endemic trachoma, the leading cause of blindness in the developing world. One causes the STD known as chlamydia. The third causes the STD known as lymphogranuloma venereum.
You kissed a girl and will you get a disease?
generally speaking you dont get a disease from just kissing a girl ( or boy ) but there are some STI's or STD's ( sexally transmitted infections )or ( sexually transmitted diseases )that can be transmitted from skin-skin contact ( such as the lips). These diseases could be one of the following :chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, syphilis, chancroid, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), trichomoniasis, granuloma inguinale, and certain forms of hepatitis.
What disease produces inflammatory nodules called granulomas?
Granulomas are your body's reaction to foreign substance. There are many diseases that cause this: brucellosis, syphilis, bartonellosis, lymphogranuloma venereum, tuberculosis, leprosy, histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, blastomycosis, leishmaniasis, filariasis, trichinosis, schistosomiasis, berylliosis, sarcoidosis, Crohn’s disease, silicosis, Asbestosis and some malignant tumors.
