Lymphogranuloma venereum

Alternative names:

LGV; lymphogranuloma inguinale; lymphopathia venereum

Treatment:

Lymphogranuloma venereum can be cured by proper antibiotic therapy. Commonly prescribed medications include:

• tetracycline, 500 mg (milligrams) by mouth, four times per day for 3 weeks
• doxycycline, 100 mg by mouth, twice a day for 3 weeks
• sulfisoxazole, 500 mg by mouth, four times per day for 3 weeks
• erythromycin, 500 mg by mouth, four times per day for 3 weeks

Note: Oral tetracycline is usually not prescribed for children until after all the permanent teeth have erupted; it can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.

Expectations (prognosis):

Recovery and a shorter course of illness is expected with treatment.

Complications:

• rectal stricture (scarring and narrowing of the rectum)
• elephantiasis of the genitalia (enlargement and chronic inflammation)
• rectovaginal fistula (an opening between the rectum and vagina)
• meningoencephalitis (brain inflammation)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you suspect you have been exposed to lymphogranuloma venereum or you have symptoms suggestive of LVG.