Lymphogranuloma Symptoms and Signs

Lymphogranuloma venereum, also known as LGV, is an infection of the lymphatic system. It's a very rare disease in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, South America, and the Caribbean. Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria cause lymphogranuloma venereum. Lymphogranuloma venereum is not contagious compared to other STIs such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. If you have not been through it, you may wonder why Lymphogranuloma is so dangerous? Below I will give you some knowledge of lymphogranuloma disease and its symptoms.

source: News Medical

Introduction:

Lymphogranuloma venereum is a bacterial infection. The word Lymphogranuloma is derived from two words, Lymphatic and Granuloma. Granuloma means "clumping of cells." In simple words, theoretically, the infected person will develop lumps of infected cells around the groin. It is dangerous due to the changes that are present in the genital fluids of an infected person and can cause lymphogranuloma venereum to spread from one person to another.

Lymphogranuloma venereum is rare in the United States, but it's important to know about it because it can be difficult to diagnose and has serious complications. It is also known as lymphogranuloma inguinale, Durand-Nicolas-Favre disease, or simply LGV.

Lymphogranuloma venereum affects both men and women. The bacteria which cause this disease always infect the lymphatic system. There are two different strains of this disease: LGV-1 and LGV-2. LGV-2 causes painful, persistent genital sores in both men and women. These sores can eventually lead to invasive complications.

Symptoms of Lymphogranuloma:

Lymphogranuloma is dangerous. For a long time, there have been no signs. If a man has it, it's a pain when he passes urine, and his penis might hurt. A woman has a high fever, chills, and heavy vaginal discharge that smells bad. She also might have body aches or swollen lymph nodes near her groin. This illness is divided into three phases.

First stage:

After a three-day incubation period, the first stage, also known as the Primary stage, begins with a tiny skin lesion at the entrance site. It may cause the underlying skin to deteriorate (ulcerate), but it recovers so fast that it may go unnoticed. Those who engage in receptive anal intercourse may develop severe proctitis or proctocolitis with bloody purulent rectal discharge during the first stage.

Second Stage:

After about 2 to 4 weeks, the second stage, also known as the Secondary stage, commonly occurs in males, with the inguinal lymph nodes on one or both sides swelling and developing big, painful, occasionally fluctuant masses. Buboes adhere to deeper tissues, causing the overlying skin to become inflamed, sometimes accompanied by fever and malaise. Backache or pelvic discomfort are prevalent in women; the earliest lesions may be on the cervix or upper vagina, causing swelling and inflammation of deeper perirectal and pelvic lymph nodes. Multiple sinuses draining tracts may form and release pus or blood.

Third Stage:

In the third stage, which is the Late Sequel, lesions heal with scarring; however, sinus tracts might remain or reoccur. The untreated infection causes persistent inflammation, obstructing lymphatic channels, and producing swelling and skin ulcers. In the chronic stage, Crohn's colitis can produce tenesmus and strictures in the rectum and discomfort from inflamed pelvic lymph nodes. Proctoscopy may reveal generalized inflammation, polyps, lumps, or mucopurulent exudate, all of which are symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

source: Shim Clinic

Why is Lymphogranuloma dangerous?

Infection with chlamydia trachomatis can lead to serious health problems if left untreated, including:

Scarring of the genitals or rectum

Infertility

Spread of the infection to other parts of the body, including internal organs such as the liver, lungs or brain

Lymphogranuloma Education is Important:

Lymphogranuloma can raise a patient's chance of developing other sexually transmitted illnesses such as HIV, hepatitis, syphilis, chancroid, gonorrhea, etc. That's why Patients should be educated on the indications and symptoms of Lymphogranuloma to detect it early. Patients should be educated on using condoms or other protective measures when participating in sexual activity. Sexual partners of patients who tested positive or likely positive should be tested, and treatment should be commenced if necessary. Males who have sex with men should be aware that Lymphogranuloma is common in these communities and be familiar with the signs and symptoms of LGV.

Conclusion:

Patients can prevent being infected with the disease. The disease is curable if patients seek early treatment. We recommend that patients note the symptoms of the disease and consult doctors in case of symptom development. All local governments should notify affected people and educate them.

I hope you like this article. Visit our website: Medicalynfo, to read about Lymphogranuloma treatment.