Lymphogranuloma venereum in Australia

Abstract

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), caused by C. trachomatis serovars L1, L2 and L3, is an invasive disease capable of causing tissue destruction with many patients experiencing complex, severe symptoms. LGV, endemic to areas of Africa, Asia, South America and the Caribbean, has emerged as a cause of significant morbidity among men who have sex with men (MSM) in more affluent nations. The high prevalence of HIV in LGV cases could suggest either that LGV is confined to a dense sexual network, or that clinicians are selectively testing HIV-positive MSM for LGV. The increase in reported LGV cases highlights the need to improve sexual health overall among MSM; experience from the recent syphilis outbreaks suggests that control could prove difficult.