Lymphogranuloma venereum
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a systemic sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a specific type of Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium. LGV is primarily seen among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the EU/EEA. LGV is more common among MSM living with HIV infection.
The primary symptoms among MSM include rectal ulcerations, bleeding, mucus discharge, constipation, lower abdominal pain and the feeling of needing to go to the toilet. Complications include perirectal abscesses and fissures.
Key Facts
How it spreads
Among men who have sex with men LGV is transmitted through unprotected anal intercourse and possibly other forms of sexual practices such as fisting and sharing of sex toys.
Vaccination and treatment
LGV can be cured with antibiotic treatment for 3 weeks. There is no vaccine available.
Protective measures
LGV can be prevented by practicing safer sex. This includes using condoms correctly and limiting the number of casual sexual partners. Sex toys should be cleaned between uses. In order to prevent further spread of the disease, sexual partners of the infected person should be tested. People who are infected should avoid having sex until treatment is completed.
Latest outputs
Disease data from ECDC Surveillance Atlas
The Surveillance Atlas of Infectious Diseases is a tool that interacts with the latest available data about a number of infectious diseases. The interface allows users to interact and manipulate the data to produce a variety of tables and maps.