Lymphogranuloma Venereum (Chlamydia trachomatis)
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by strains of Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. This is the same bacteria that causes Chlamydia.
LGV can cause more serious illness regular than chlamydia. If left untreated, it can result in serious illness, genital or anal scarring or, rarely, death.
Symptoms
Symptoms generally appear three to 30 days after infection. Initial symptoms include a painless sore or lump where the bacteria entered the body at site of sexual activity such as in the cervix, mouth, penis, rectum, or vagina.
After the initial symptoms, those infected with LGV may experience flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, fatigue, and muscle and joint aches. Other symptoms of LGV include lymph node swelling, diarrhea, genital scarring, and rectal pain, mucous discharge, bleeding and diarrhea.
Causes
LGV can be transmitted through anal, oral, or vaginal sex with a person who is already infected. Anyone who is sexually active can be infected with LGV.
Treatment
LGV can be cured with antibiotics. Early treatment is essential to prevent serious complications such as anal or genital scarring.
If you are infected with LGV and had sex within the last 60 days, it is important to tell your sexual partner(s) that you have LGV. They may require treatment as well. Getting treatment at the same time as your partner(s) can reduce the risk of passing the infection back and forth.
Prevention
- The risk of becoming infected with LGV can be reduced by practicing safer sex (e.g., using condoms/barrier methods correctly and consistently).
- If an infection is suspected, people should not have sex until all partners are tested and treated.
- Tell your sexual partner(s) if you have a sexually transmitted or blood borne infection (STBBI), so they can be tested and treated. This will help reduce the spread of disease.
- It is important to not have sex (even with a condom) for 3 weeks after starting treatment.
Talk with a doctor or health care provider about your risk for Lymphogranuloma Venereum (Chlamydia trachomatis). Have an open and honest conversation about your sexual history and testing for STIs. Your doctor can give you the best advice on any testing and treatment that you may need.
Manitoba Health Resources
For Health Care Providers
- Lymphogranuloma venereum
(May 2007) - Forms - Epidemiology and Surveillance | Health | Province of Manitoba
- Sexually Transmitted and Blood-Borne Infections (STBBI) Surveillance Report | Health | Province of Manitoba
Other Resources
Communicable Disease
Control (CDC) Health Links – Info Santé |
