Definition of Lymphogranuloma venereum

Lymphogranuloma venereum: Abbreviated LGV. An uncommon genital or anorectal (affecting the anus and/or rectum) infection that is caused by a specific type of Chlamydia trachomatis.

Patients typically have tender glands (lymph nodes) in the groin and may recently have had a genital ulcer that resolved on its own. Other patients, in particular those with HIV infection, may have rectal or anal inflammation, scarring, and narrowing (stricture), which cause frequent small bowel movements (diarrhea) and a sense of incomplete evacuation of the bowels. In addition, these patients can have pain around the anal area (perianal), and occasionally drainage from the perianal area or the glands in the groin.

The diagnosis of LGV is suspected in a person with typical symptoms and in whom other causes (such as chancroid, herpes, and syphilis) have been excluded. The diagnosis in such a patient is usually made by a blood test that detects specific antibodies to Chlamydia, which are produced as part of the body's immunological (defensive) response to that bacterial organism.

Once LGV is diagnosed, it is usually treated with doxycycline 100 mg twice per day by mouth for 21 days. If this is not an option, for example, because of intolerance to the drug, erythromycin base 500 mg four times per day by mouth for 21 days can be used as an alternative.

A person who has been sexually exposed to a person with LGV should be examined for signs or symptoms of LGV, as well as for chlamydial infection of the urethra, since the LGV and urethral strains (types) of Chlamydia trachomatis can co-exist. If exposure occurred within 30 days of theonset of their partner's symptoms of LGV, the exposed person should be treated.