What is lymphogranuloma venereum/LGV?
Lymphogranuloma venereum (‘LGV’) is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by a bacteria known as Chlamydia trachomatis (or ‘chlamydia’), which is a common STD. LGV infections are different from other chlamydia infections, because LGV is caused by invasive strains of chlamydia known as the L-serovars. If left untreated, the invasive chlamydial strains that cause LGV can result in serious disease, involving scarring, destruction, and disfigurement of the bowels and the genitals. LGV can increase the chances of getting HIV if exposed to the HIV virus, or of transmitting HIV if already infected.
