Lymphogranuloma Venereum
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LV) is a sexually transmitted disease caused by chlamydia organisms. LV is found most frequently in the tropical and subtropical parts of the world. The incubation period ranges from 3 to 12 days. The primary lesion is a 5- to 8-mm, soft, red, painless erosion or ulcer. The ulcer heals spontaneously in a few days. The secondary stage begins 2 to 6 weeks later and is characterized by the appearance of tender, inguinal adenopathy, which develops with over-riding erythema and edema. The lymph nodes coalesce, may fluctuate, and drain spontaneously. Associated fever, chills, and malaise can be severe. The late stage of LV is characterized by anogenital strictures in untreated or under-treated cases.
Differential Diagnosis: LV can be distinguished from cutaneous anthrax in the following manner.
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LV |
Cutaneous anthrax |
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*Lesion is located in the anogenital area * Genital ulcer or erosion has no eschar * Lymphadenopathy develops after ulcer disappears |
* Lesion is located on exposed parts of the body *Ulcer and eschar are surrounded by characteristic non-pitting edema * Ulcer and lymphadenopathy are concurrent |
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