Lymphogranuloma venereum (patient information): Difference between revisions
Varun Kumar (talk | contribs) (New page: {{Lymphogranuloma venereum (patient information)}} '''For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here''' {{CMG}}; '''Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief:''' [[Varun ...) |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 5: | Line 5: | ||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted | Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted [[bacteria]]l [[infection]]. | ||
==What are the symptoms of Lymphogranuloma venereum?== | ==What are the symptoms of Lymphogranuloma venereum?== | ||
Symptoms of LGV can begin a few days to a month after coming in contact with the bacteria. Symptoms include: | Symptoms of LGV can begin a few days to a month after coming in contact with the bacteria. Symptoms include: | ||
* Small painless ulcer on the male genitalia or in the female genital tract | * Small painless [[ulcer]] on the male genitalia or in the female [[genital tract]] | ||
* Swelling and redness of the skin in the groin area | * Swelling and redness of the skin in the [[groin]] area | ||
* Swollen groin lymph nodes on one or both sides; it may also affect lymph nodes around the rectum in those who have anal intercourse | * Swollen groin lymph nodes on one or both sides; it may also affect lymph nodes around the [[rectum]] in those who have anal intercourse | ||
* Drainage through the skin from lymph nodes in groin | * Drainage through the skin from lymph nodes in groin | ||
* Blood or pus from the rectum (blood in the stools) | * Blood or [[pus]] from the rectum (blood in the stools) | ||
* Painful bowel movements (tenesmus) | * Painful bowel movements ([[tenesmus]]) | ||
* Swelling of the labia | * Swelling of the [[labia]] | ||
The infection can cause diarrhea and lower abdominal pain. Women may develop abnormal connections called | The infection can cause diarrhea and lower abdominal pain. Women may develop abnormal connections called [[fistula]]s between the vagina and rectum. | ||
==What causes Lymphogranuloma venereum?== | ==What causes Lymphogranuloma venereum?== | ||
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a chronic (long-term) infection of the lymphatic system caused by three different types of the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacteria spread through sexual contact. The infection is caused by a different bacteria than that which causes genital chlamydia. | Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a chronic (long-term) infection of the [[lymphatic system]] caused by three different types of the bacteria [[Chlamydia trachomatis]]. The bacteria spread through sexual contact. The infection is caused by a different bacteria than that which causes genital chlamydia. | ||
==Who is at highest risk?== | ==Who is at highest risk?== | ||
| Line 38: | Line 38: | ||
* An ulcer on the genitals | * An ulcer on the genitals | ||
* An oozing, abnormal connection (fisula) in the rectal area | * An oozing, abnormal connection (fisula) in the rectal area | ||
* Swollen lymph nodes in the groin (inguinal lymphadenopathy) | * Swollen lymph nodes in the groin ([[inguinal]] [[lymphadenopathy]]) | ||
* Drainage through the skin from lymph nodes in the groin | * Drainage through the skin from lymph nodes in the groin | ||
* Swelling of the vulva or labia in women | * Swelling of the [[vulva]] or labia in women | ||
Tests may include: | Tests may include: | ||
| Line 61: | Line 61: | ||
* Brain inflammation (very rare) | * Brain inflammation (very rare) | ||
* Infections in the joints, eyes, heart, or liver | * Infections in the joints, eyes, heart, or liver | ||
* Long-term inflammation and swelling of the genitalia | * Long-term [[inflammation]] and swelling of the genitalia | ||
* Scarring and narrowing of the rectum | * Scarring and narrowing of the rectum | ||
| Line 69: | Line 69: | ||
Abstaining from sexual activity is the only absolute way to prevent a sexually transmitted disease. Safer sex behaviors may reduce the risk. | Abstaining from sexual activity is the only absolute way to prevent a sexually transmitted disease. Safer sex behaviors may reduce the risk. | ||
The proper use of | The proper use of [[condom]]s, either the male or female type, greatly decreases the risk of catching a sexually transmitted disease. You need to wear the condom from the beginning to the end of each sexual activity. | ||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
Revision as of 16:11, 27 November 2012
|
Lymphogranuloma venereum |
|
Lymphogranuloma venereum On the Web |
|---|
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Lymphogranuloma venereum |
For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Varun Kumar, M.B.B.S.
Overview
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted bacterial infection.
What are the symptoms of Lymphogranuloma venereum?
Symptoms of LGV can begin a few days to a month after coming in contact with the bacteria. Symptoms include:
- Small painless ulcer on the male genitalia or in the female genital tract
- Swelling and redness of the skin in the groin area
- Swollen groin lymph nodes on one or both sides; it may also affect lymph nodes around the rectum in those who have anal intercourse
- Drainage through the skin from lymph nodes in groin
- Blood or pus from the rectum (blood in the stools)
- Painful bowel movements (tenesmus)
- Swelling of the labia
The infection can cause diarrhea and lower abdominal pain. Women may develop abnormal connections called fistulas between the vagina and rectum.
What causes Lymphogranuloma venereum?
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a chronic (long-term) infection of the lymphatic system caused by three different types of the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis. The bacteria spread through sexual contact. The infection is caused by a different bacteria than that which causes genital chlamydia.
Who is at highest risk?
LGV is more common in Central and South America than in North America. Every year, a few hundred cases of LGV are diagnosed in the United States. However, the actual number of infections is unknown.
LGV is more common in men than women. The main risk factor is having multiple sexual partners.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your health care provider if you have been in contact with someone who may a sexually transmitted disease, including LVG. Also call if symptoms of LVG develop.
Diagnosis
The health care provider will perform a physical examination and ask questions about your medical history. It is important to tell your doctor if you had sexual contact with someone who has had lymphogranuloma venereum.
A physical exam may show:
- An ulcer on the genitals
- An oozing, abnormal connection (fisula) in the rectal area
- Swollen lymph nodes in the groin (inguinal lymphadenopathy)
- Drainage through the skin from lymph nodes in the groin
- Swelling of the vulva or labia in women
Tests may include:
- Biopsy of the lymph node
- Blood test for the bacteria that causes LGV
- Laboratory test to detect chlamydia
Treatment options
This condition can be cured with the proper antibiotics. Those commonly prescribed to treat LGV include tetracycline, doxycycline, and erythromycin.
Where to find medical care for Lymphogranuloma venereum?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Condition
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
With treatment, the outlook is good.
Possible complications
- Abnormal connections between the rectum and vagina
- Brain inflammation (very rare)
- Infections in the joints, eyes, heart, or liver
- Long-term inflammation and swelling of the genitalia
- Scarring and narrowing of the rectum
Complications can occur many years after the initial infection.
Prevention
Abstaining from sexual activity is the only absolute way to prevent a sexually transmitted disease. Safer sex behaviors may reduce the risk.
The proper use of condoms, either the male or female type, greatly decreases the risk of catching a sexually transmitted disease. You need to wear the condom from the beginning to the end of each sexual activity.