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Alternative names Return to top
LGV; Lymphogranuloma inguinale; Lymphopathia venereumDefinition Return to top
LGV is a sexually-transmitted disease (STD) caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis that causes inflammation and drainage of certain lymph nodes, and destruction and scarring of surrounding tissue.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is caused by 3 subtypes of C. trachomatis. They are different organisms from the subtypes that cause eye disease, blindness, and the more common genital chlamydia.
LGV is more common in Central and South America than in North America. People with LGV can begin to have symptoms a few days to a month after becoming infected.
The disease starts as a painless ulcer on the male genitalia or in the female genital tract. As the organism spreads, the inguinal (groin) lymph nodes swell, become tender, and may rupture and drain through the skin. These enlarged nodes are called buboes.
The skin above the lymph node is often swollen (edematous) and red. These areas may appear to heal, but the patient will have repeated episodes of lymph node swelling and drainage. The patient may also have systemic signs including fever, decreased appetite, and malaise.
In people who practice anal intercourse, the disease can also affect the lymph nodes around the rectum (perirectal). This is often accompanied by bloody rectal discharge, painful defecation (tenesmus), diarrhea, and lower abdominal pain. Women may develop fistulas (connections) between the vagina and rectum.
There are a few thousand cases of LGV each year in the US. The main risk factor is having multiple sexual partners.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
The medical history and physical examination may show:Treatment Return to top
Lymphogranuloma venereum can be cured by proper antibiotic therapy. Commonly prescribed medications include:Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Recovery and a shorter course of illness is expected with treatment.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you suspect you have been exposed to lymphogranuloma venereum or you have symptoms suggestive of LVG.Prevention Return to top
Abstinence is the only absolute way to prevent sexually transmitted disease. Safer sex behaviors may reduce the risk. A monogamous sexual relationship with a person known to be free of any STD is advisable.
The use of condoms, either the male or female type, markedly decreases the likelihood of contracting a sexually-transmitted disease but they must be used properly. The condom should be in place from the beginning to end of sexual activity and should be used EVERY time the person engages in sexual activity with a non-monogamous or other suspect partner.
Condoms are effective and inexpensive considering the consequences of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
Update Date: 7/14/2004 Updated by: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |