What is lymphogranuloma venereum/LGV?
Lymphogranuloma
venereum (‘LGV’) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacteria
known as Chlamydia trachomatis (or ‘chlamydia’), which is a common
STD. LGV infections are different from
other chlamydia infections, because LGV is caused by invasive strains of chlamydia
known as the L-serovars. If left untreated, the invasive chlamydial strains
that cause LGV can result in serious disease, involving scarring, destruction,
and disfigurement of the bowels and the genitals.
LGV
can increase the chances of getting HIV if exposed to the HIV virus, or of
transmitting HIV if already infected.
LGV
is rare in industrialized countries. Over the past 5 years, there have been
fewer than 100 cases per year in the entire United States. However, LGV outbreaks
have recently occurred in Europe and the UK among men who have sex with men
(MSM). Cases have now been confirmed among MSM in NYC, and it is possible
that LGV will begin to increase here.
LGV
is spread by sexual contact. Infection can be transmitted during vaginal sex
(when a man puts his penis in a woman’s vagina) or during anal sex (when a
man puts his penis in the rectum (‘butt’) of a woman or of another man).
Using
barrier protection methods such as condoms is the best way to reduce the risk
of catching LGV and many other STDs. Abstinence is the best way to protect
yourself from getting STDs.
LGV
has several different stages. In the first stage, there may be a pimple, small
blister, or sore on the genitals at the place of exposure. If a person has
been exposed to the infection while having anal sex, that lesion may be in
the rectum, and therefore may not be noticed, and may go untreated.
If left untreated, infection spreads to a second stage – in the second stage, symptoms of LGV depend on where the early infection occurred. Symptoms are more likely to be in the rectum or butt, if infection was transmitted during anal sex.
Symptoms
of the second stage can include:
If
infection occurred on the external genitals or in the vagina, and disease
spreads to the lymph nodes (lymph glands), it can cause:
If
LGV infection is left untreated, the second stage can go on to long-term complications
which can include:
Any
one who has sexual intercourse (either vaginal or anal) without a barrier
protection like a condom can get LGV.
Yes,
LGV can be treated with several weeks of antibiotics. If LGV is not treated,
however, there can be permanent complications.
If
you have had unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse and have any of the symptoms
described above, you should go to see your doctor.
The
NYC DOHMH runs STD clinics in all five boroughs where you can get free and
confidential HIV testing and a full evaluation, testing, and treatment for
STD.
The
Health Department is worried about LGV because people with LGV can get very
sick and can be left with permanent damage to their bowels or genitals. Also,
if a person has LGV he or she has an increased chance of getting HIV if exposed
to the virus. People with both LGV and HIV infection may also transmit HIV
more easily.