Lymphogranuloma Venereum (A Rare Form of Chlamdydia)

Did anyone else see this which was posted on the bathroom mirrors at Flexx Los Angeles?

It sounds very serious. Roughly 14 cases reported. It attacks the lympth nodes. Reading about it scared me. Here is what I found which fits what I read even though it is not verbatim from the posted message.

What is lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)?

LGV is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or infection involving the lymph glands in the genital area. It is caused by a specific strain of chlamydia.

Who gets LGV?

The incidence is highest among sexually active people living in tropical or subtropical climates. It has also occurred in some areas of the southern United States.

How is LGV spread?

The infection is spread by sexual contact.

What are the symptoms of LGV?

The first symptom may be a small, painless pimple or lesion occurring on the penis or vagina. It is often unnoticed. The infection then spreads to the lymph nodes in the groin area and from there to the surrounding tissue. Complications may include inflamed and swollen lymph glands which may drain and bleed.

How soon do symptoms appear?

The onset of symptoms varies widely. The initial lesion may appear from three to 30 days after exposure.

When and for how long is a person able to spread LGV?

An individual remains infectious as long as there are active lesions.

What is the treatment for LGV?

Treatment involves the use of certain antibiotics, specifically tetracycline or sulfamethoxazole.

What can be done to prevent the spread of LGV?

There are a number of ways to prevent the spread of LGV:

Limit your number of sex partners.
Use a male or female condom.
Carefully wash genitals after sexual relations.
If you think you are infected, avoid any sexual contact and visit your local STD clinic, a hospital or your doctor.
Notify all sexual contacts immediately so they can obtain examination and treatment.

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I read about that over the winter here in Boston in one of the New Englan GLBT newspapers. I don't have any stats or anything about it, but will say that was the last time I heard about it.

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I'd give my left nut to actually see a case!

I've been reading about this shit since medical school, and have yet to see one.

It is an unbelievably rare infection caused by a chlamydia. I forms supporating buboes (yes, that is a medical term) in the lymph glands in the groin. Hurts like hell, and eventually the swollen, inflammed, festering gland erodes into the skin releasing all sorts of scuzzy muck.

I have read it's showing up in gay guys here in the continental US. Not uncommon in the Carribbean or Africa, just really rare here.

And it is very treatable, although it does form scars.

Don't lose too much sleep over it, but if you do find that you've got swollen, painful glands in your groin, please, see your doctor pronto!

Dr Danny

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