Lymphogranuloma venereum, also known as inguinal lymphogranuloma, the fourth venereal disease, tropical or climatic bubo, and Frei's disease, is one of the four major venereal diseases, alongside syphilis, gonorrhea, and chancroid. This disease is caused by Chlamydia, which is divided into two types: Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia psittaci. Lymphogranuloma venereum is associated with Chlamydia trachomatis. Based on different serological reactions, Chlamydia trachomatis can be classified into 15 serotypes, among which L1, L2, and L3 are the ones that cause lymphogranuloma venereum.
Lymphogranuloma venereum is primarily transmitted through sexual activity, with the peak incidence coinciding with the peak age of sexual activity, which is 20-30 years old. The contact infection rate of this disease is much lower than that of gonorrhea and syphilis. Early manifestations are more common in males than in females, while females often present with late-stage complications. The primary lesion in the genital area is usually mild and easily overlooked. It is only when subacute or chronic buboes appear, or when females develop late-stage anogenital and rectal syndromes, that people are startled and rush to seek medical attention. Initially, this disease was mistakenly thought to be seasonal or tropical bubo, thus considered a tropical or subtropical disease. However, it also occurs in temperate or cold regions. Extensive research has confirmed that this disease is related to sexual promiscuity.
How to prevent lymphogranuloma venereum?
1. Lymphogranuloma venereum is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse, so self-discipline is the best way to stay away from this disease.
2. Preventing contact transmission is also crucial: avoid using bathtubs in public baths, try not to use public toilet seats, do not borrow others' underwear or swimsuits, wash hands before using the toilet, and pay attention to these daily habits. Wash the external genitalia daily, wash your underwear separately, and do not share towels or basins with others.
3. The diagnosis of this disease often requires multiple laboratory tests, such as complement fixation tests, immunofluorescence tests, pathogen culture, and even biopsy. Therefore, if you suspect you have the disease, suspected patients and their sexual contacts should promptly visit a regular hospital to avoid delaying treatment.
4. Lymphogranuloma venereum at different stages can easily be confused with certain diseases. For example, the early stage can be confused with primary syphilis, genital herpes, and chancroid; the late stage often needs to be differentiated from malignant tumors, tuberculosis, and mononucleosis. Therefore, if you have the disease, you must go to a regular hospital for a systematic examination to avoid diagnostic and treatment errors.
5. If you suffer from this disease, it is essential to seek early treatment to avoid the late-stage complications that often require surgical intervention to resolve multi-organ strictures.
