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Sex Transm Dis 2022 Apr 9. Epub 2022 Apr 9.

National Reference Laboratory for Sexually Transmitted Infections - Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal.

Abstract: Between 2001 and 2020, 54 LGV cases were diagnosed in an STD clinic in Lisbon, most in MSM (87%), HIV-negative (63%), from anorectal mucosa (72.2%). Cases among heterosexuals were also identified (13%). Read More

Int J STD AIDS 2022 Apr 18;33(5):456-461. Epub 2022 Mar 18.

WHO Collaborating Centre for Gonorrhoea and Other STIs, National Reference Laboratory for STIs, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, 98836Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.

Background: Several lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) outbreaks among men who have sex with men (MSM) have been reported throughout the world since 2003. Nevertheless, no LGV cases have been internationally reported from Russia. We evaluated the prevalence of LGV among MSM attending proctologists in Moscow, Russia, and compared the LGV and non-LGV rectal (CT) infections. Read More

Sex Transm Infect 2022 Feb 25. Epub 2022 Feb 25.

Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Alfred Health, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.

Background: Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is caused by serovars L1-L3. This study determined the positivity for LGV testing before and after introduction of universal LGV testing of positive rectal samples in men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods: From March 2015 to February 2018, MSM with rectal were not routinely tested for LGV at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre unless they had HIV or symptoms of proctitis. Read More

Cureus 2021 Dec 6;13(12):e20216. Epub 2021 Dec 6.

Infectious Diseases, Waterbury Hospital, Waterbury, USA.

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) can present as a sexually transmitted anorectal syndrome and is caused by  serotypes L1, L2, and L3. It was rare in the western world until a recent outbreak among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Europe and North America. Limited availability of diagnostic tests differentiating LGV from non-LGV  can make the diagnosis challenging. Read More

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2021 Dec 27;101(4):115532. Epub 2021 Aug 27.

Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD, TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) can be differentiated from non-LGV chlamydial infection using Sanger sequencing or molecular assays, including those that are commercially-available internationally. Here, we describe the performance of a rapid real-time PCR (RT-PCR)-based strategy in differentiating Chlamydia trachomatis infections associated with LGV or non-LGV serovars. One hundred three rectal swabs, previously genotyped using Sanger sequencing of the ompA gene as a reference method, were tested in the RT-PCR assays. Read More

Emerg Infect Dis 2021 10;27(10):2695-2699

Incidence of lymphogranuloma venereum increased in England during 2018-2019, after a period of decline. Our retrospective analysis of national surveillance data identified a rapid increase in diagnoses among HIV-negative men who have sex with men. These findings indicate a need for sustained surveillance and targeted public health action. Read More

Int J STD AIDS 2021 12 14;32(14):1318-1325. Epub 2021 Aug 14.

62963Universidad de Buenos Aires, 62963Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Cátedra de Microbiología Clínica, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Background: (CT) can infect the anorectum producing various signs and symptoms. There is scarce literature regarding the differences between LGV and non-LGV CT anorectal manifestations. We compare the clinical spectrum of LGV and non-LGV infections. Read More

PLoS One 2021 8;16(7):e0254233. Epub 2021 Jul 8.

Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, United Kingdom.

Background: Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis strains with ompA genotypes L1 to L3. An LGV epidemic associated with the L2b genotype has emerged in the past few decades amongst men who have sex with men (MSM). C. Read More

Microb Genom 2021 06;7(6)

Clinical Bacteriology & Mycology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Switzerland.

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), the invasive infection of the sexually transmissible infection (STI) , is caused by strains from the LGV biovar, most commonly represented by -genotypes L2b and L2. We investigated the diversity in LGV samples across an international collection over seven years using typing and genome sequencing. LGV-positive samples (=321) from eight countries collected between 2011 and 2017 (Spain =97, Netherlands =67, Switzerland =64, Australia =53, Sweden =37, Hungary =31, Czechia =30, Slovenia =10) were genotyped for and variants. Read More

J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2021 Aug 13;35(8):1712-1716. Epub 2021 May 13.

Dermatology Department, Hospital Santo António dos Capuchos, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal.

Background: Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexual transmitted infection (STI), currently endemic within the population of men who have sex with men (MSM) of Western Countries. L2B variant has been reported as the predominant strain in the current LGV epidemics, although a shift towards L2-434 has been observed in some European countries.

Objectives: To evaluate and characterize the population with LGV infection diagnosed in Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, Portugal. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2021 Apr 14;14(4). Epub 2021 Apr 14.

Department of General Surgery, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK.

A 49-year-old man presented with a 1-week history of abdominal pain, distension, diarrhoea and fatigue. CT of the abdomen and pelvis revealed peritonitis with no identifiable cause. Diagnostic laparoscopy was performed, which excluded gastrointestinal perforation. Read More

BMJ Case Rep 2021 Feb 4;14(2). Epub 2021 Feb 4.

Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA.

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) has been increasingly reported, and many clinicians are familiar with it as a cause of proctocolitis or inguinal adenopathy. On the other hand, LGV is less commonly considered as a cause of isolated genital ulcerative disease in comparison to other etiologies such as syphilis or herpes simplex. We report a case of persistent perianal ulcerations due to LGV in an HIV-positive patient, confirmed by nucleic acid amplification testing. Read More

Clin Infect Dis 2021 08;73(4):e1004-e1007

National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal.

Previously, we identified a Chlamydia trachomatis lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) recombinant strain possessing a non-LGV ompA genotype. Here, culture-independent genome sequencing confirms its circulation in Europe, Middle East, and North America, and unveils emergence of antibiotic resistance. Broad surveillance is needed. Read More

Int J STD AIDS 2021 05 26;32(6):517-522. Epub 2021 Jan 26.

Department of Internal Medicine, 10215OLVG, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Objective: The incidence of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) in Europe is increasing. However, diagnosing LGV in a hospital setting is rare. We analysed the diagnostic process and clinical characteristics of patients with LGV in a hospital setting. Read More

Clin Infect Dis 2021 08;73(4):614-620

Dermatology Department, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

Background: Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) serovars L1, L2, and L3 and is endemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Europe. We evaluated weekly oral azithromycin 1 g for 3 weeks as a treatment for LGV proctitis.

Methods: This is an open clinical trial with convenience allocation according to treating physician preferences. Read More

Sex Transm Dis 2021 02;48(2):e15-e17

From the Foundation for Professional Development, Research Unit, East London.

Abstract: We conducted an observational study of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) biovar Chlamydia trachomatis infection in HIV-infected women in South Africa. The LGV biovar was detected in vaginal specimens of 17 (20%) of 85 women with C. trachomatis infection; 29% were symptomatic. Read More

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 2020 11 19;164. Epub 2020 Nov 19.

OLVG, afd. Interne Geneeskunde, Amsterdam.

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is an invasive sexually transmitted infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis genotypes L1, L2 and L3. Until recently, LGV was rarely seen in developed countries. However, an outbreak of LGV infections in Europe amongst men who have sex with men (MSM) has been reported in the past decades. Read More

J Clin Microbiol 2021 01 21;59(2). Epub 2021 Jan 21.

INSERM, Institut Cochin U1016-CNRS UMR8104, Université Sorbonne Paris Descartes, Paris, France

We evaluated the utility of the commercial Allplex genital ulcer real-time PCR multiplex assay for detecting , herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and 2 (HSV-2), and serovar L (lymphogranuloma venereum [LGV]) DNA in mucosal and genital ulcers in the context of suspected syphilis. In total, 374 documented genital and mucosal ulcers from patients with and without syphilis presenting at several sexually transmitted infection (STI) centers in France from October 2010 to December 2016 were analyzed at the National Reference Center (CNR) for Bacterial STIs at Cochin Hospital in Paris. subsp. Read More

Actas Dermosifiliogr (Engl Ed) 2021 May 27;112(5):453-457. Epub 2020 Oct 27.

Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, España.

The incidence of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) -a sexually transmitted infection (STI) produced by the L1, L2, and L3 serovars of Chlamydia trachomatis- is increasing. The 8 patients in this case series were diagnosed with LGV in the STI unit of our dermatology department. Our patients were younger than those in previously published case series, and on presentation they most often complained of tumorous masses (lymphadenopathy) in the groin. Read More

Sex Transm Infect 2021 09 26;97(6):441-445. Epub 2020 Oct 26.

Microbiology, DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Emilia-Romagna, Italy.

Objectives: Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is an STI caused by serovars L1-L3. In Europe, the current epidemic is caused mainly by L2b genovariant, although increasing cases associated with other L2 variants have been reported. Here, we assessed the distribution of rectal LGV genovariants among men having sex with men (MSM) in Italy. Read More

J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021 01;86(1):e1-e5

Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, HIV/STI Unit, Antwerp, Belgium.

Background: An increase of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) in HIV negative men who have sex with men is reported in several European countries including Belgium before the implementation of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Setting: The epidemiological characteristics of the male rectal LGV epidemic in Belgium were explored before and after the introduction of PrEP.

Methods: Segmented regression models were used to examine a change in trends before and after the introduction of PrEP in the male rectal LGV epidemic in Belgium and among men attending a large HIV/sexually transmitted infection clinic in Antwerp, Belgium. Read More

Actas Dermosifiliogr (Engl Ed) 2020 Nov 29;111(9):743-751. Epub 2020 Aug 29.

Unidad de Investigación, Empresa Pública Hospital Costa del Sol, Marbella, Málaga, España.

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is an emerging disease in men who have sex with men (MSM): the incidence was 1.15 cases per 100,000 population in Spain in 2017. Patients with LGV characteristically have severe proctitis that can cause abscesses, fistulas, and anal stenosis. Read More

Histopathology 2021 Feb 14;78(3):392-400. Epub 2020 Oct 14.

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Aims: Recent studies from multiple global regions have reported a resurgence of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) proctitis, which is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT). LGV proctitis is histologically indistinguishable from other forms of sexually transmitted proctitis and is difficult to differentiate from inflammatory bowel disease. While immunohistochemical stains are available for syphilis, there is no commonly available stain for the tissue identification of CT. Read More

Clin Microbiol Infect 2021 Jun 6;27(6):909.e1-909.e5. Epub 2020 Aug 6.

National Reference Centre for Bacterial Sexually Transmitted Infections, Department of Bacteriology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France; USC EA 3671, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.

Objectives: Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) genovars L. The identification of LGV is of therapeutic interest because treatment requires 3 weeks of doxycycline compared with 1 week for infection with a non-L strain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of four commercial real-time PCR kits in comparison with the reference methods used for LGV diagnosis by the French National Reference Centre (NRC) for bacterial STIs. Read More

Sex Health 2020 Aug;17(4):344-351

National Infection Service, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ, UK.

Background Following an upward trajectory in Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) diagnoses in the UK from 2004 to 2016, with annual diagnoses increasing from 28 to 904, diagnoses fell to 641 in 2017; this was inconsistent with the upward trend in other bacterial sexually transmissible infections (STIs) between 2016 and 2017. An analysis of surveillance data from multiple sources to investigate the possible factors contributing to this decline in LGV was performed.

Methods: LGV tests and diagnoses in the UK from 2004 to 2018 were captured through laboratory data from the LGV Reference Laboratories and laboratories conducting in-house LGV testing. Read More

PLoS One 2020 4;15(6):e0233990. Epub 2020 Jun 4.

Public Health Laboratory (GGD) Amsterdam, Department of infectious diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Objectives: Typing of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is traditionally performed by characterising the ompA gene, resulting in more than a dozen different genovars, A to L. Type L is associated with Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) and commonly screened for using PCR, targeting the chromosomal pmpH gene. We aimed to develop and validate a new CT/LGV plasmid-based typing assay targeting the pgp3 gene, to increase sensitivity and thus reduce the number of non-typeable results. Read More

Sex Transm Infect 2020 Dec 17;96(8):615-617. Epub 2020 Apr 17.

Univ. Bordeaux, USC EA3671, Mycoplasmal and Chlamydial Infections in Humans, Bordeaux, France.

Objectives: We evaluated the prevalence of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) in anorectal -positive French men who have sex with men (MSM) using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV. Here, we describe the clinical, biological and behavioural characteristics of these patients.

Methods: Laboratories throughout French metropolitan areas performing routine testing for sent positive anorectal specimens to the National Reference Centre for bacterial STIs for LGV real-time PCR targeting the H gene. Read More

Euro Surveill 2020 04;25(14)

Centre of Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands.

IntroductionLymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), an invasive form of infection, has been reported among (mainly HIV-positive) men who have sex with men (MSM) since 2003. In the Netherlands, LGV testing recommendations changed from selective to universal testing in 2015. Changes in tested populations could have led to incomparable LGV positivity rates over time. Read More

Sex Transm Dis 2020 03;47(3):162-164

From the Unidad Clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas y MicrobiologÍa (UCEIM), Valme University Hospital.

Background: The early identification of the Chlamydia trachomatis variants that cause lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is very important to establish an adequate antibiotic treatment. This identification should be made with molecular techniques that are easy to perform and accessible to most microbiology laboratories. The objective of this study was to evaluate 2 real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assay (VIASURE Haemophilus ducreyi + C. Read More