Lymphogranuloma venereum (lgv)

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Lymphogranuloma venereum is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. It causes painful, swollen lymph nodes in the groin and sometimes infection of the rectum.

Lymphogranuloma venereum starts as a small, often unnoticed blister that quickly heals, then causes the lymph nodes to swell and become tender.
Doctors suspect the infection based on symptoms and confirm it with blood tests.
Antibiotics, taken for 3 weeks, can cure the infection, but the lymph nodes may remain swollen.

(See also Overview of Sexually Transmitted Diseases.)
Lymphogranuloma venereum is caused by types of Chlamydia trachomatis that are different from those that usually cause infection of the urethra (urethritis) and cervix (cervicitis).
Lymphogranuloma venereum occurs mostly in tropical and subtropical areas and is rare in the United States. However, outbreaks have been reported among men who have sex with men in Europe, North America, and Australia.
Rectal infections caused by these bacteria have become more common among people who engage in anal sex.