Anorectal Lymphogranuloma Venereum Research Articles

Anorectal lymphogranuloma venereum among men who have sex with men: a 3-year nationwide survey, France, 2020 to 2022.

BackgroundIn France, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) testing switched from universal to selective testing in 2016.AimTo investigate changes in LGV-affected populations, we performed a nationwide survey based on temporarily reinstated universal LGV testing from 2020 to 2022.MethodsEach year, during three consecutive months, laboratories voluntarily sent anorectal Chlamydia trachomatis-positive samples from men and women to the National Reference Centre for bacterial sexually transmitted infections. We collected patients' demographic, clinical and biological data. Genovars L of C. trachomatis were detected using real-time PCR. In LGV-positive samples, the ompA gene was sequenced.ResultsIn 2020, LGV positivity was 12.7% (146/1,147), 15.2% (138/907) in 2021 and 13.3% (151/1,137) in 2022 (p > 0.05). It occurred predominantly in men who have sex with men (MSM), with rare cases among transgender women. The proportion of HIV-negative individuals was higher than that of those living with HIV. Asymptomatic rectal LGV increased from 36.1% (44/122) in 2020 to 52.4% (66/126) in 2022 (p = 0.03). Among users of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), LGV positivity was 13.8% (49/354) in 2020, 15.6% (38/244) in 2021 and 10.9% (36/331) in 2022, and up to 50% reported no anorectal symptoms. Diversity of the LGV ompA genotypes in the Paris region increased during the survey period. An unexpectedly high number of ompA genotype L1 variant was reported in 2022.ConclusionIn rectal samples from MSM in France, LGV positivity was stable, but the proportion of asymptomatic cases increased in 2022. This underscores the need of universal LGV testing and the importance of continuous surveillance.

Histiocytoid Sweet Syndrome associated with anorectal lymphogranuloma venereum in a patient with HIV infection

Sweet Syndrome belongs to a group of diseases known as neutrophilic dermatoses. An uncommon variant named Histiocytoid Sweet Syndrome (HSS) can be associated with a variety of conditions, including cancer, infections, drug toxicity and others. Here we present an instance of HSS in an HIV-positive patient in an infectious disease setting.

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) of the anorectum: evaluation of clinicopathological associations and the utility of a novel RNA in-situ hybridisation stain.

Recent studies from multiple global regions have reported a resurgence of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) proctitis, which is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT). LGV proctitis is histologically indistinguishable from other forms of sexually transmitted proctitis and is difficult to differentiate from inflammatory bowel disease. While immunohistochemical stains are available for syphilis, there is no commonly available stain for the tissue identification of CT. From 200 positive CT nucleic acid tests (NAT) from anorectal swabs, we identified 12 patients with biopsies collected from the distal colorectum or anus within 90days of the positive NAT. We collected basic demographic information and tabulated clinical and histological findings. We examined the performance of a novel RNA in-situ hybridisation (ISH) stain targeting CT 23s rRNA on these 12 cases and 10 controls from the anorectum. All 12 patients were male; nine were HIV+, two had concurrent gonococcal infection, one had concurrent syphilis and one had cytomegalovirus co-infection. The majority of biopsies (11 of 12) showed mild or moderate acute inflammation, had a prominent lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate (eight of 11) and lacked marked crypt distortion (10 of 10). The RNA ISH stain was positive in 10 of 12 cases (sensitivity 83%). One case showed equivocal staining. No controls showed definitive positive staining (specificity 100%). One had equivocal staining. Our series showed that anorectal LGV had similar histological findings to those of prior STI proctitis series predominantly comprised of syphilis. The novel RNA ISH stain was sensitive and specific and may show utility in differentiating types of STI proctitis.

Lymphogranuloma Venereum: An Increasingly Common Anorectal Infection Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Attending New York City Sexual Health Clinics.

Using Chlamydia trachomatis anorectal specimens routinely tested for lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) (2008-2011) and samples of archived specimens tested for LGV (2012-2015), we observed increased LGV positivity among men who have sex with men attending NYC Sexual Health Clinics. Using clinical data, we determined predictors of anorectal LGV that may guide clinical management.

Observational study of anorectalChlamydia trachomatisinfections in France through the lymphogranuloma venereum surveillance network, 2010–2015

The objective of this article is to describe the epidemiology of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) and non-LGV Chlamydia trachomatis anorectal infections in France and to examine the characteristics of the affected populations via a voluntary sentinel surveillance system for LGV between 2010 and 2015. Anorectal samples positive for C. trachomatis (CT) were sent by the participating laboratories to the National Reference Center for CT for LGV identification. Biological and clinical data were collected by biologists and clinicians. There were 1740 LGV episodes and 2248 non-LGV episodes. Continuous monitoring highlighted a sharp increase in the number of LGV and non-LGV anorectal infections, which were 2.3-fold and 6.5-fold, respectively. Most of the infections occurred in men who have sex with men. LGV patients were older than non-LGV patients and were more frequently human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive compared to non-LGV patients. Anorectal LGV was significantly associated with residence in Paris, HIV co-infection, concurrent syphilis and bloody anal discharge. Undocumented patient characteristics were strongly associated with anorectal LGV. The anorectal LGV epidemic is poorly controlled in France. Early detection and prompt treatment of patients and their sexual partners are required to prevent transmission in the context of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV infection.

Asymptomatic lymphogranuloma venereum among Nigerian men who have sex with men

ObjectivesRecent outbreaks of anorectal lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) among men who have sex with men (MSM) have been characterised by proctocolitis requiring extended antibiotic treatment compared with infections caused by other...

Low Prevalence of Urethral Lymphogranuloma Venereum Infections Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Prospective Observational Study, Sexually Transmitted Infection Clinic in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

In contrast to anorectal lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), few urogenital LGV cases are reported in men who have sex with men. Lymphogranuloma venereum was diagnosed in 0.06% (7/12,174) urine samples, and 0.9% (109/12,174) anorectal samples. Genital-anal transmission seems unlikely the only mode of transmission. Other modes like oral-anal transmission should be considered.

Inguinal and anorectal Lymphogranuloma Venereum: a case series from a sexually transmitted disease center in Rome, Italy

BackgroundLymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection caused by L1, L2, L3 serovars of C. trachomatis (CT). Since 2003, LGV cases have been increasing in Europe. Aim of this report is to describe the LGV cases diagnosed in the largest STI center in Rome, Italy, from 2000 to 2016. This report shows that two clinically and epidemiologically different series of cases exist, and that, at present, the ano-rectal LGV represents the clinical variant occurring more frequently among men having sex with men (MSM), particularly those HIV-infected.Case presentationTen cases of LGV were observed. Three were diagnosed in 2009 in HIV-negative heterosexuals patients that presented the classical genito-ulcerative form with lymphadenopathy. Seven cases were observed in 2015–2016 in HIV-infected MSM, that presented the rectal variant and L2b serovar infection; 4 of these had been misclassified as a chronic bowel disease.Chlamydia infection was confirmed by CT-specific PCR (ompA gene nested PCR), followed by sequence analysis to identify the serovar.All the patients were treated with doxycycline for 3 weeks, obtaining a complete response with healing of both clinical symptoms and dermatological lesions.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that, in case of persistent rectal symptoms in HIV-infected MSM, LGV should be taken into account and investigated through molecular analyses, in order to achieve a correct diagnosis and management of the patients.

Enhanced surveillance of a lymphogranuloma venereum outbreak in Sydney 2010–2012

ObjectivesTo investigate an increase in lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) notifications in New South Wales (NSW). MethodsEnhanced surveillance of notified LGV cases in NSW between May 2010 and April 2012 using doctor and patient questionnaires. ResultsThirty‐seven doctors who had diagnosed 67 (76%) of 88 notified anorectal LGV infections were interviewed. The majority (n=33, 89%) of treating doctors were formally trained and accredited in HIV management and prescribing, and most (n=32, 86%) worked in a public sexual health clinic or a general practice with a high caseload of men who have sex with men (MSM). All 67 cases were MSM who resided in inner‐city Sydney and all were serovar L2b. Anal symptoms had been present in 64 cases (96%, 95%CI 87–99%) for a median of 8 days (range 2–1,825) prior to presentation. Almost one‐third (n=20) had another concurrent STI diagnosed. Most (82%) of the 22 interviewed patients reported being HIV positive and having other STIs diagnosed over the past year. In the preceding month, all 22 men reported condomless anal sex and the median number of casual sexual partners was 5 (range 0–100). ConclusionsCharacteristics of LGV cases in NSW are similar to those described worldwide, suggesting that a sexually adventurous subgroup of MSM are at particular risk of infection. ImplicationsEducation of non‐sexual‐health clinicians on LGV risk factors, presentation, testing and management may allow more timely diagnosis and notification of contacts to reduce LGV transmission in the community.

Urethral Lymphogranuloma Venereum Infections in Men With Anorectal Lymphogranuloma Venereum and Their Partners

Urethral lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is not screened routinely. We found that in 341 men having sex with men with anorectal LGV, 7 (2.1%) had concurrent urethral LGV. Among 59 partners, 4 (6.8%) had urethral LGV infections. Urethral LGV is common, probably key in transmission, and missed in current routine LGV screening algorithms.

Anorectal and inguinal lymphogranuloma venereum among men who have sex with men in Amsterdam, the Netherlands: trends over time, symptomatology and concurrent infections

ObjectivesTo examine lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) trends over time among men who have sex with men (MSM) visiting the Amsterdam sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic; to investigate anal LGV symptomatology; and...

Lymphogranuloma venereum in Zurich, Switzerland: Chlamydia trachomatis serovar L2 proctitis among men who have sex with men.

Whereas until 2003 Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) was rare in industrialised countries, there have been increasing reports of cases of LGV proctitis in men having sex with men (MSM) over the last six years in Europe, America and Australia. After the alarming message from the Netherlands in 2003, physicians in a dermatological and STI private clinic in Zurich started examining rectal swabs from patients with proctitis for LGV serovars of C. trachomatis on a regular basis. A test system based on PCR with sequencing and databank comparison was used. Clinical files of all patients with proctitis observed in this time period were examined. Since 2003 twelve cases of proctitis, all in MSM, caused by the LGV serovar L2 C. trachomatis were observed. Of the overall 11 patients the majority were HIV positive and only 2 were HIV negative. Only one patient reported previous sexual contacts outside Europe (Thailand) as the likely place of infection. The clinical presentation was characterised by anorectal pain, discharge, tenesmus and change in stool frequency. Four patients were successfully treated with a single dose of 1 g azithromycin. In all seven cases treated with doxycycline 2 x 100 mg for 10-20 days clinical cure and a negative PCR result after treatment were observed, except for one patient lost to follow-up. Zurich has not been spared by the recent outbreaks of LGV proctitis in MSM. Anorectal LGV infections may progress to severe destructive changes, with formation of granulomas, strictures, and perirectal abscesses. Increased awareness of this problem and establishment of reliable diagnostic tools are required.

Lymphogranuloma venereum in Zurich, Switzerland: Chlamydia trachomatis serovar L2 proctitis among men who have sex with men.

Whereas until 2003 Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) was rare in industrialised countries, there have been increasing reports of cases of LGV proctitis in men having sex with men (MSM) over the last six years in Europe, America and Australia. After the alarming message from the Netherlands in 2003, physicians in a dermatological and STI private clinic in Zurich started examining rectal swabs from patients with proctitis for LGV serovars of C. trachomatis on a regular basis. A test system based on PCR with sequencing and databank comparison was used. Clinical files of all patients with proctitis observed in this time period were examined. Since 2003 twelve cases of proctitis, all in MSM, caused by the LGV serovar L2 C. trachomatis were observed. Of the overall 11 patients the majority were HIV positive and only 2 were HIV negative. Only one patient reported previous sexual contacts outside Europe (Thailand) as the likely place of infection. The clinical presentation was characterised by anorectal pain, discharge, tenesmus and change in stool frequency. Four patients were successfully treated with a single dose of 1 g azithromycin. In all seven cases treated with doxycycline 2 x 100 mg for 10-20 days clinical cure and a negative PCR result after treatment were observed, except for one patient lost to follow-up. Zurich has not been spared by the recent outbreaks of LGV proctitis in MSM. Anorectal LGV infections may progress to severe destructive changes, with formation of granulomas, strictures, and perirectal abscesses. Increased awareness of this problem and establishment of reliable diagnostic tools are required.

Case report: lymphogranuloma venereum in New Zealand

We report New Zealand's first two cases of anorectal lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). Although infection in these cases was probably acquired off-shore, the cases are reported to demonstrate the need to be vigilant to the possibility of LGV when men who have sex with men present with symptoms of proctitis. Investigation and management of LGV is discussed.

HIV-Associated Anorectal Lymphogranuloma Venereum: An Emerging Epidemic

Anorectal Lymphogranuloma Venereum (AR-LGV) has recently been recognized as an emerging problem among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM). AR-LGV may resemble other conditions such as Crohn's disease, resulting in misdiagnosis and the potential for the development of disabling and irreversible long-term complications. Prompt, appropriate antibiotic therapy is essential. We review the epidemiology, pathology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and public health concerns of AR-LGV.

Anorectal lymphogranuloma venereum in a Melbourne man

We report the first case of anorectal lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) in a man who has sex with men (MSM) in Australia in the setting of the recent emergence of LGV among MSM in Europe and the USA. A 33-year-old man presented with a 2 month history of mild external anal discomfort. He gave a history of unprotected receptive and insertive anal intercourse with one partner in Europe during the preceding 6 months. No symptoms suggested proctitis and examination revealed two small anal fissures. An anal swab was positive for Chlamydia trachomatis; investigation for other STIs including HIV were negative. On review 6 days later, he was investigated and treated presumptively for LGV. The LGV diagnosis was confirmed by identifying the L2 serovar of C. trachomatis using a genotype test on the original anal specimen. This case is in keeping with the more recent reports of LGV from Europe, and has demonstrated the need for a high index of suspicion for asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic anorectal LGV.

Diagnostic and Clinical Implications of Anorectal Lymphogranuloma Venereum in Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

Recently, outbreaks of anorectal lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) have occurred among men who have sex with men (MSM). This study identifies risk factors and clinical predictors of LGV to determine the implications for clinical practice. The Chlamydia trachomatis serovars for all MSM who had anorectal chlamydia diagnosed at a sexually transmitted infection clinic in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, in 2002 and 2003 were retrospectively typed; 87 persons were infected with C. trachomatis serovar L2b and received a diagnosis of LGV. MSM infected with C. trachomatis serovars A-K and who thus had non-LGV anorectal chlamydia (n = 377) and MSM who reported having receptive anorectal intercourse but who did not have anorectal chlamydia (n = 2677) served as 2 separate control groups. Risk factors and clinical predictors were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine clinical relevance. HIV seropositivity was the strongest risk factor for LGV (odds ratio for patients with LGV vs. those with non-LGV chlamydia, 5.7 [95% confidence interval, 2.6-12.8]; odds ratio for patients with LGV vs. control subjects without chlamydia, 9.3 [95% confidence interval, 4.4-20.0]). Proctoscopic findings and elevated white blood cell counts in anorectal smear specimens were the only clinically relevant predictors for LGV infection (area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve, > 0.71). Use of these 2 parameters and HIV infection status provided the highest diagnostic accuracy (for MSM with anorectal chlamydia, the area under the curve was > 0.82; sensitivity and specificity were 89% and 50%, respectively). LGV testing is recommended for MSM with anorectal chlamydia. If routine LGV serovar typing is unavailable, we propose administration of syndromic LGV treatment for MSM with anorectal chlamydia and either proctitis detected by proctoscopic examination, > 10 white blood cells/high-power field detected on an anorectal smear specimen, or HIV seropositivity.