[home] [mind] [body] [spirit] [gay fitness and health products] [gay fitness books] [Coach Roc Harwood Tells You Gay Boys How...]
At least two cases of lymphogranuloma venereum, or LGV, have been found in New York City health officials said Wednesday.
"We know LGV [also] increases the risk of the spread of HIV because it
causes ulcers and bleeding," Health Commissioner Thomas Frieden said.
One case of LGV also turned up in an Atlanta man this week.
LGV began showing up a year ago in Europe. Cases have been reported in The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Sweden and the UK. In The Netherlands, heath authorities last fall reported 92 cases of LGV over the past 12 months. The country usually sees fewer than five cases per year.
Last October the Centers for Disease Control issued an alert that the bacteria may show up in this country. (story) In December, San Francisco health officials issued a warning to the city's gay community after the first US cases were identified. (story)
LGV is usually associated with chlamydia but the new strain, showing up in men who have sex with men, is marked by gastrointestinal bleeding, inflammation of the rectum and colon, genital ulcers, swollen lymph glands, and flu-like symptoms. Other symptoms include itching anus, blood or mucus in the stool, straining and cramping when having a bowel movement.
It can cause a serious infection which travels through the body’s lymphatic system. If left untreated, the inflammation that results can cause scarring of the genitals or rectum and colon. These scars may interfere with normal functions of the urinary or gastrointestinal system and lead to severe illnesses or rarely, death.
LGV is diagnosed by a clinical examination plus several laboratory tests and is effectively treated with common antibiotics such as doxycycline.
©365Gay.com 2005
Next Article: Gay Youth Still Think They Are Invulnerable to AIDS and HIV
