LGV
What causes the disease?
LGV is caused by a type of Chlamydia trachomatis. It is the same bacteria that causes a chlamydial infection. This type of chlamydia bacterium is more aggressive than the usual one and is more difficult to treat.
How is LGV transmitted?
LGV is transmitted through unprotected vaginal and anal intercourse, during oral sex, and sometimes during petting and rimming (if you lick someone’s rectal opening).
How do you protect yourself against LGV?
Condoms reduce the risk of infection provided that it is intact and remain on throughout the intercourse.
What symptoms can you get?
There can be a long period of incubation, often up to a month or so. The disease begins with the appearance of superficial small sores on the mucous membrane of the genitals or rectum. These sores are painless and usually go unnoticed. Eventually, nearby lymph nodes begin to swell. This swelling can become very severe and is usually very painful.
How is the examination and testing done?
A diagnosis is made based on the clinical picture but is detected in the laboratory in the same way as ordinary chlamydia. In addition to a positive result for Chlamydia trachomatis, further typing is required.
Where can you get tested?
You can be tested at all health care centers, GP practices, youth clinics, skin and vein clinics, sex and relations clinics, and specialist clinics for sexually transmitted infections. Telephone numbers and links to many of the country’s receptions can be found here.
How is LGV treated?
The infection is treated with the same type of antibiotics as for regular chlamydia, but in a higher dose and for a longer period of time. Sometimes it is necessary to surgically drain a swollen lymph node or cut off a fistula.
What can happen if the infection is left untreated?
Without treatment, the lymph nodes can begin to “melt” and fistulas (founches) can form. If the infection is left untreated, the tissue destruction with its chronic scarring can become extensive and disabling. Because the lymph channels are destroyed, the genital tissue and even bones can sometimes swell and thicken. The area gradually acquires an “elephant-like” appearance both in size and skin texture (elephantiasis). A common complication can also be scarring with shrinkage around the rectum.
How common is the disease?
LGV is very rare in Sweden and in the Western soociety. The disease is most common in the tropical parts of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. In recent years, however, several cases have been reported from various large cities in Europe and in countries such as Australia, Canada, and the USA. In Sweden, the first cases of LGV were reported in the category of men who have sex with men in Stockholm in 2004. Since then, sporadic cases have been reported, all in the category of men who have sex with men.
What does the Infection Protection Act say?
LGV, just like chlamydia, is classified according to the Swedish Infection Protection Act as a disease of public danger. This means that if you suspect that you have been infected, you are obliged to see a doctor to do the examinations and take the necessary samples. All examinations, care, and treatment are free of charge for the patient. LGV is a disease subject to infection tracing, which means that you must provide information about the person or persons the infection may have come from and the person or persons to whom it may have been passed on. You can choose to contact your partners yourself or have a doctor or counselor do it. In that case, you are always anonymous to your partners through the confidentiality protection in the Infection Prevention Act. Occurred cases are reported anonymously to the infectious disease doctor in the county council and to the Public Health Authority.
