Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
Definition
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which attacks the lymph nodes and vessels. LGV is caused by three specific strains (L1, L2 and L3) of the Chlamydia trachomatis bacterium (the other strains of this bacterium cause chlamydiosis).
It was once found primarily in tropical countries but it started to appear in Canada several years ago.
Left untreated, LGV can lead to serious complications and even death.
Are you a health professional?
If you are interested in learning more, please visit the LGV page on the website of Montréal's Director of Public Health.
Target population
For the time being, in Canada, LGV mainly affects men who have sex with men.
Source: Québec Health Guide
Practical advice
What can you do to prevent problems or protect yourself?
To find out what you need to do to protect yourself and prevent STIs, visit our STI page.
For more details on LGV, see:
Whom should you contact to get help?
Send an e-mail to a public health professional for answers to your questions about LGV.
You will find a list of help lines in the "Whom should you contact?" section on our STI page.
Where can you find additional, credible information?
Public Health Agency of Canada - Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV)
Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange (CATIE) - LGV comes to Canada
