Topic: Lymphogranuloma Venereum
Description
Lymphogranuloma venereum is a sexually transmissible infection. It is caused by a bacteria called Chlamydia trachomatis. Some types of this bacteria cause the genital infection chlamydia. Other types of this bacteria cause lymphogranuloma venereum. Chlamydia and lymphogranuloma venereum are quite different infections. Lymphogranuloma venereum causes ulcers or sores of the genital area and then invades the lymph glands in the pelvis and groin.
Symptoms
After exposure to the infection, a small ulcer or sore develops. This can be in the vagina or around the outside of the vagina in women, or on the penis in men. In men and women who have anal sex, this ulcer or sore can occur in the rectum (back passage). This ulcer or sore can heal without treatment, but the infection has not gone away.
Two to six weeks later, the lymph glands in the groin or inside the pelvis show signs of infection. They become very swollen and painful. The infected person may be unwell with fevers, aching muscles and joints, and headaches. The infection can spread to tissues around the lymph glands. In the groin, this can cause large sores which break out on the skin. Inside the pelvis, this can involve the vagina, the rectum and the bowel.
Treatment
Blood tests and swabs from the infected ulcers or glands are used to test for lymphogranuloma venereum. There are other causes of genital ulcers and swollen lymph glands, so other tests would be done at the same time.
Lymphogranuloma venereum is treated with antibiotics that need to be taken for at least three weeks. This is a long time, but the infection may not be cured with shorter courses of treatment.
To ensure the infection has been cured:
- it is important to take all the tablets, otherwise the infection may not be properly cured
- do not have sex until you have finished treatment and you have returned to your doctor or clinic for a follow-up appointment
Sexual partners who could have been infected should be treated at the same time, otherwise you may be infected again. If you are uncomfortable to talk to previous sexual partners your local sexual health clinic can assist with confidential contact tracing.
Health Outcome
Lymphogranuloma venereum is common in South and Central America, Asia and Africa. In Australia it occurs only in people who have travelled or lived in countries where it is prevalent. There are only one or two people who are diagnosed with the infection each year in Australia.
If not treated, the infection persists. It causes progressive destruction of lymph glands and tissue near to lymph glands.
Infections that cause ulcers and sores around the genitals increase the risk of the spread of HIV.
Prevention
You get lymphogranuloma venereum by sexual contact with a person who has ulcers or sores due to this infection.
- You should not have sex with someone who has a visible genital ulcer or sore. Genital ulcers or sores could be due to some other sexually transmissible infection – such as herpes, genital warts, syphilis, molluscum, scabies. If your sexual partner or intended sexual partner has a genital sore or ulcer, advise that person to have a sexual health check.
- If you are planning to visit or live in a developing country, find out about diseases that occur there and how they are best avoided.
- Practise safe sex. Always using condoms when you have vaginal or anal sex is the best way to avoid getting an STI. Using water-based lubricant with condoms is recommended. If you are giving a man oral sex (his penis in your mouth) then he will need to wear a condom. It does not matter whether your are male or female, if you put your mouth in contact with your partner’s anus or vulva while having sex you will need to use a dental dam.
Help and Assistance
If you would like more information on Lymphogranuloma Venereum, you can talk to:
- Your local doctor
- Your local sexual health clinic
- Your local family planning clinic
- Your local public health unit
Other Resources
Queensland Health Sexual Health website
Last Updated: 12th October, 2009
Date Valid to: 30th June, 2010
