What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Durand-Nicolas-Favre Disease
• Lymphopathia Venerea
• Tropical Bubo

What is Lymphogranuloma Venereum? (Definition/Background Information)

• Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a specific strain of the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is rare in developed countries, but it is still seen in some areas, particularly in men who have sex with men
• Lymphogranuloma Venereum usually spreads through anal or vaginal intercourse, but it can also be spread through oral sex or by coming into contact with infected skin. Men who have sex with men, people with HIV infections, and those who have unprotected anal sex are at a higher risk of contracting LGV
• In the early stages of the illness, the signs and symptoms may be mild or absent. They can include pain or discharge from the genitals, pain during urination, and swollen lymph nodes. In advanced stages, Lymphogranuloma Venereum can cause severe and disfiguring swelling of the genitals and lymph nodes
• Lymphogranuloma Venereum is diagnosed through a combination of symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory tests. The most common test is the nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for Chlamydia to help detect Chlamydia DNA in the swab sample. Still, confirmation requires serological tests, such as microimmunofluorescence test (MIF) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
• Lymphogranuloma Venereum is typically treated with antibiotics, usually azithromycin and doxycycline, for at least three weeks. It is essential that the treatment should be started as early as possible and that all sexual partners are also treated to prevent reinfection
• The infection is usually curable with proper treatment, but untreated or inadequately treated Lymphogranuloma Venereum can lead to severe complications. The most effective method to prevent LGV is to practice safe sex, including the use of condoms and regular testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Who gets Lymphogranuloma Venereum? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV) primarily affects young adults, typically in the age range of 15 to 40 years
• The infection shows a higher prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM)
• However, in recent years, there have been reported cases of heterosexual transmission and involvement of individuals outside the MSM demographic
• LGV is more common in some developing countries

What are the Risk Factors for Lymphogranuloma Venereum? (Predisposing Factors)

Individuals at a higher risk of contracting Lymphogranuloma Venereum include:

• Men who have sex with men 
• HIV infection-affected individuals
• Having unprotected anal sex 

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Lymphogranuloma Venereum? (Etiology)

• Specific strains of Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria cause Lymphogranuloma Venereum
• The infection is usually spread through anal or vaginal intercourse, but it can also be spread through oral sex or by coming into contact with infected skin

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Lymphogranuloma Venereum?

In the early stages of Lymphogranuloma Venereum symptoms may be mild or absent.

• They can include pain or discharge from the genitals, pain during urination, and swollen lymph nodes
• In advanced stages, it can cause severe and disfiguring swelling of the genitals and lymph nodes

How is Lymphogranuloma Venereum Diagnosed?

• Lymphogranuloma Venereum is diagnosed through a combination of symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory tests
• The most common test is the nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) for Chlamydia to detect Chlamydia DNA in the swab sample
• Serological tests, such as microimmunofluorescence test (MIF) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), may be necessary for confirmation

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Lymphogranuloma Venereum?

• Lymphogranuloma Venereum can lead to severe and disfiguring swelling of the genitals and lymph nodes
• It can also lead to systemic complications such as:
  • Arthritis: Swelling of joints
  • Conjunctivitis: Pink eye
  • Proctitis: Swelling of rectum

How is Lymphogranuloma Venereum Treated?

• Lymphogranuloma Venereum is treated with antibiotics, usually azithromycin and doxycycline, for at least three weeks
• Treatment should be started as early as possible, and all sexual partners have to be treated to prevent re-infection

How can Lymphogranuloma Venereum be Prevented?

The most effective method to prevent Lymphogranuloma Venereum is to:

• Practice safe sex (such as the use of condoms)
• Regular testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Awareness and education about safe sexual practices remain crucial for prevention across various populations.

What is the Prognosis of Lymphogranuloma Venereum? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV) is usually curable with proper treatment
• However, if untreated or inadequately treated, LGV can lead to severe complications

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Lymphogranuloma Venereum:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/focused-health-topics/lymphogranuloma-venereum-lgv-causes-symptoms-diagnosis-complications-and-treatment