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Lymphogranuloma venereum - Overview

Alternative Names

LGV; Lymphogranuloma inguinale; Lymphopathia venereum

Definition of Lymphogranuloma venereum:

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

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is caused by three different types of the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacteria is spread through sexual contact. However, this infection is caused by a different bacteria than that which causes genital chlamydia.

LGV is more common in Central and South America than in North America. There are a few thousand cases of LGV each year in the United States.

LGV is more common in men than women. The main risk factor is having multiple sexual partners.

Lymphatic system

Reviewed last on: 10/28/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington ; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Stamm WE, Jones RB, Batteiger BE. Chlamydia trachomatis (trachoma, perinatal infections, lymphogranuloma venereum, and other genital infections). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2005:chap 177.

Eckert LO, Lentz GM. Infections of the lower genital tract: vulva, vagina, cervix, toxic shock syndrome, HIV infections. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 22.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Workowski KA, Berman SM. Diseases characterized by genital ulcers. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines 2006. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2006 Aug 4;55(RR-11):14-30.

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