Abstract
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a systemic sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (L serovars L1, L2 or L3). Since 2003, several outbreaks of rectal LGV affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) have occurred in western Europe [1]. The first case in Spain was confirmed in Barcelona in 2005 [2], but no further cases have been detected in this city since until September 2007. We briefly summarise the characteristics of the LGV cases diagnosed at the outpatient STI clinic in Barcelona between September 2007 and April 2008.
Highlights
Rectal C. trachomatis was detected by means of nucleic acid amplification tests
They presented with an anorectal syndrome with proctitis, the symptoms persisting for a duration ranging between 3 and 60 days
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) being a notifiable disease in Barcelona since 2007, all cases were notified to the Public Health Agency of Barcelona [4] in order to initiate contact tracing and health promotion activities
Summary
Rectal C. trachomatis was detected by means of nucleic acid amplification tests. Positive samples were confirmed with a second real-time multiplex polymerase chain reaction that allows to distinguish serovars A-K from the L serovars [3]. The first case was diagnosed on 17 September 2007. As of 30 April 2008, the total number of confirmed cases was 21. All cases were MSM and all except two were coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
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