Lymphogranuloma venereum in Australia. 1. Clinical aspects of the disease and isolation and identification of the causal agent from a patient in Melbourne.

Abstract

The clinical history of a case of lymphogranuloma venereum in a young man in Melbourne is presented, and the treatment given and laboratory studies undertaken are described. The nature of the infection, acquired overseas, was suspected on clinical grounds. The diagnosis was confirmed by serological investigation and isolation of the causal agent, a subgroup A Chlamydia. Serum samples taken over a three-year period were titrated with complement fixation, Immunofluorescence and neutralization tests. The level of antibody against Chlamydia was very high for at least six weeks after the onset of systemic symptoms, but a significant decrease had occurred 8 and 13 months later and a further decrease was detected three years after infection. In view of increasing international travel and the rising incidence of venereal diseases in urban communities, the importance of prompt diagnosis of this infection is stressed. Attention is drawn to the scientific and clinical value of the isolation and identification of the causal organism.