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Lymphogranuloma venereum

LGV; Lymphogranuloma inguinale; Lymphopathia venereum

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

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Lymphatic system

Causes

LGV is a long-term (chronic) infection of the lymphatic system. It is caused by certain strains of the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacteria are spread by sexual contact. The infection is not caused by the same strain of bacteria that causes genital chlamydia.

LGV is more common in Central and South America than in North America.

LGV is more common in men than women. The main risk factor is being HIV-positive.

Symptoms

Symptoms of LGV can begin a few days to a month after coming in contact with the bacteria. Symptoms include:

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will examine you. You will be asked about your medical and sexual history. Tell your provider if you had sexual contact with someone you think has had symptoms of LGV.

A physical exam may show:

Tests may include:

Treatment

LGV is treated with antibiotics, including doxycycline and erythromycin.

Outlook (Prognosis)

With treatment, the outlook is good and complete recovery can be expected.

Possible Complications

Health problems that may result from LGV infection include:

Complications can occur many years after you are first infected.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if:

Prevention

Not having any sexual activity is the only way to prevent an STI. Safer sex behaviors may reduce the risk.

The proper use of condoms, either the male or female type, greatly decreases the risk of catching an STI. You need to wear the condom from the beginning to the end of each sexual activity.

Related Information

Blindness and vision loss
Chlamydia
Erosion
Chancroid
Swollen lymph nodes
Systemic
Malaise
Tenesmus
Vagina

References

Batteiger BE, Tan M. Chlamydia trachomatis (trachoma, urogenital infections). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 180.

Eckert LO, Lentz GM. Genital tract infections: vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, endometritis, and salpingitis. In: Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, Lobo RA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 23.

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Review Date: 8/26/2023  

Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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