LYMPHOGRANULOMA VENEREUM (LGV)

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Causative organism Chlamydia trachomatis serovars L1-L3
Incubation period 3-30 days
How far to trace back 3 months
Usual testing method Nucleic acid amplification testing of swab from anus, genital ulcer or bubo aspirate, confirmed by genotyping 
Common symptoms Proctitis is common among GBMSM with rectal LGV. Genital ulceration and inguinal buboes are seen less commonly.
Likelihood of transmission per act of condomless intercourse Unknown
Likelihood of long-term sexual partner being infected Unknown
Protective effect of condoms Probably high
Transmission by oral sex Probably rare
Duration of potential infectivity Uncertain, probably weeks to months
Important sequelae Chronic proctocolitis, inguinal abscess
Direct benefit of detection and treatment of contact Cure
Usual management of contacts

Chlamydia testing: urine, pharyngeal and anal swab for GBMSM and at risk trans feminine people;

Cervical swab for people with a cervix;

Test any genital ulcer or bubo aspirate.

Alert the laboratory to the possibility of LGV genotyping is performed on chlamydia-positive specimens to identify LGV.

Follow up BBV testing also (HIV, syphilis and hepatitis serology)

Treat contacts presumptively

Contact tracing priority High as the number of LGV cases reported in Australasia has been limited
Notification Notifiable by laboratories in some Australian states and territories; not notifiable in New Zealand

Page last updated September 2022