LGV

LGV

Abbreviation for lymphogranuloma venereum.

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

LGV

Lymphogranuloma venereum, see there.

McGraw-Hill Concise Dictionary of Modern Medicine. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

lymphogranuloma venereum

(vi-nir'e-um) [ L. venereus, pert. to Venus],

LGV

A sexually transmitted disease, affecting about 300 patients per year in the U.S., caused by Chlamydia species. It has an incubation period of about 3 to 30 days. Its hallmarks are a painless, red erosion on the genitals or rectum, followed 1 to 2 weeks later by inguinal lymph node enlargement (historically called “buboes”). These may cause fistulous tracts or obstruct lymphatic channels if the infection is left untreated. Perirectal lymph nodes may scar and produce late rectal obstruction. Tetracyclines cure the disease in its initial stages but do not resolve complications brought on by scarring or lymphatic obstruction. Synonym: lymphogranuloma inguinale; lymphopathia venereum See: pelvic inflammatory disease; sexually transmitted disease

Symptoms

Because up to 75% of women and 50% of men have no symptoms, patients do not know they have the disease, continue to spread it, and develop more severe infection. Symptomatic patients may develop ulcerating vesicles on the genitals, urethral inflammation, abdominal pain, and swollen lymph nodes in the groin and rectum; men often have swollen testicles. Approx 40% of women develop pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), leading to chronic pain, infertility, and an increased risk of having a tubal pregnancy.

The CDC recommends that all sexually active women under 20 years old be screened yearly for Chlamydia; sexually active women over 20 with multiple sex partners who do not use condoms also should be screened yearly. The infection is diagnosed using fluorescent anti-Chlamydia antibodies. Women, rather than men, are targeted for screening because of their increased use of health care and the risk of developing PID associated with this disease.

Treatment

The disease can be treated effectively with a 3-week course of doxycycline; erythromycin is used for pregnant women. Recurrent infection is common if barrier contraception is not used during intercourse.

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