Lymphogranuloma venereum - meaning and definition
AlsoLGVLGV infectionlymphogranuloma
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
Lymphogranuloma venereum is an uncommon STI caused by particular strains of chlamydia that can affect the lymph nodes and, often, the rectum.
At a glance
- LGV is caused by more invasive types of Chlamydia trachomatis.
- It can affect the lymph nodes and, often, the rectum.
- Recent outbreaks in Europe and North America have mainly affected men who have sex with men.
- It is diagnosed through specialised testing of a chlamydia-positive sample.
- It is treated with a longer course of antibiotics than standard chlamydia.
In detail
LGV is caused by more invasive types of Chlamydia trachomatis. In recent years outbreaks in Europe and North America have mainly affected men who have sex with men, often with symptoms of rectal inflammation such as pain, discharge or bleeding.
It is diagnosed through specialised testing of a chlamydia-positive sample and treated with a longer course of antibiotics than standard chlamydia. Untreated LGV can cause lasting damage, so symptoms should be checked promptly at a sexual health clinic.
In a sentence
- His chlamydia sample was sent for extra testing to rule out LGV.
- The clinic poster urged anyone with rectal symptoms to get checked for LGV.
Not to be confused with
- Chlamydia
Standard chlamydia is caused by less invasive strains and needs shorter treatment.
Common questions
How is LGV different from ordinary chlamydia?
LGV is caused by particular, more invasive strains of the same bacterium. It needs specialised testing to identify and a longer course of antibiotics to treat.
Is LGV serious?
Untreated LGV can cause lasting damage, so symptoms such as rectal pain, discharge or bleeding should be checked promptly at a sexual health clinic.