Sexually transmitted diseases are widespread among both men and women. They are not only accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the genital area, but are also dangerous to he alth. Long-term chronic infections can result in infertility. One of the sexually transmitted diseases is chlamydia. This disease can proceed in different ways, depending on the serotype of the pathogen. In some cases, the manifestation of infection is a venereal lymphogranuloma. This pathology is found in tropical countries, some parts of America and Asia. However, episodic outbreaks can occur everywhere.
Chlamydial lymphogranuloma - what is it?
The disease refers to venereal infections. It has several names. Among them: climatic bubo, inguinal lymphogranulomatosis, Durand-Nicolas-Favre disease. Previously, this pathology was called the "fourth sexually transmitted infection", as it became known after syphilis, chancre and gonorrhea. In most cases the diseasetransmitted sexually. Venereal lymphogranuloma occurs in both sexes. However, it is more commonly seen in men.
Venereal lymphogranuloma: causes, symptoms of the disease
This pathology refers to sexually transmitted infections. The causative agent of the disease is Chlamydia trachomatis. This microorganism is represented by various serological species. The cause of lymphogranuloma venereum are types L1, 2 and 3. Symptoms of the disease differ from urogenital chlamydia caused by the same pathogen. This is due to the fact that these serotypes have tropism for lymphoid tissue. Since pathology is a sexually transmitted disease, the main cause of infection is sexual contact with an infected partner. The pathogen enters the body through damaged areas of the skin and mucous membranes. The appearance of the first symptoms can be observed both on the genitals and in the oral cavity and rectum. The spread of infection is also possible through transfusion of infected blood, cosmetic procedures.
Mechanism of development of lymphogranuloma
Venereal lymphogranuloma does not develop immediately. Like many infectious pathologies, the disease has an incubation period. It can last from several days to 2 months. After the pathogen enters the body through damaged tissues, the infection begins to spread through the lymphatic vessels. Chlamydia multiply rapidly and cause necrosis and tissue inflammation. Since they have tropism for lymphaticnodes, then all these changes occur there. Lymphadenitis is most often symmetrical. Later, the inflammatory process passes to the skin. With a long-term infection and no treatment, the pathogen spreads from the lymphatic vessels into the circulatory system. In this case, chlamydia persist throughout the body. This is a very dangerous symptom, as it leads to serious complications.
Clinical picture of chlamydial lymphogranuloma
The first signs of the disease appear even in the incubation period. They are characterized by fever, weakness, myalgia. Later, local symptoms of infection join. At the same time, rashes in the form of pustules, papules and vesicles are observed on the skin and mucous membranes. Venereal chlamydial lymphogranuloma in men usually begins with the glans penis or coronal sulcus. Sometimes the foreskin becomes the site of infection. In women, rashes may appear on the skin of the labia or in the vagina. With non-traditional sexual intercourse, the place of introduction becomes: the mucous membrane of the cheeks, tonsils, the area of the rectum. After a few days, the rashes disappear on their own, leaving no traces and discomfort. For this reason, patients often do not notice that they have been infected. After 2-6 weeks, the lymph nodes are affected. They become painful and enlarged. On palpation, the lymph nodes are soldered to the surrounding tissues. In most cases, the lesion begins with oneside and quickly spread to the opposite half. The inflammatory process can cover the inguinal, iliac, femoral lymph nodes (sometimes - submandibular, cervical groups). This process is accompanied by symptoms of intoxication. Later, the chlamydial granuloma venereal passes into the terminal stage. The pathogen spreads throughout the body, affecting tissues. There is the formation of fistulas, inflammation of the fiber of the rectum, lymph stagnation. This often develops complications.
Diagnosis of venereal lymphogranuloma
Diagnosis of chlamydial lymphogranuloma is based on history and clinical presentation. It should be found out: did the patient have unprotected sexual contacts and rashes on the genitals. Symptoms can be confused with other pathologies, for example, lymphogranulomatosis, syphilis and genital herpes. Therefore, in addition to assessing the clinical situation, laboratory diagnostics is necessary. Materials for research are blood, secretions from pustules and vesicles, tissue of the lymph node. Since a cross-reaction with other types of chlamydia is possible, serological diagnostic methods are necessary. Under laboratory conditions, the pathogen is grown on chicken embryos (cultural analysis).
Chlamydial lymphogranuloma venereal: treatment of pathology
It should be remembered that the disease is highly contagious. Therefore, the treatment of venereal lymphogranuloma should be carried out by both partners at the same time. At this time it should be excludedsexual contacts. The etiological treatment is antibiotic therapy. Apply drugs "Hemomycin", "Erythromycin". It is also necessary to follow a diet (exclude sweet, bitter and s alty foods). With the development of complications, surgical manipulations are performed: opening and draining of the lymphatic vessels. If erosive surfaces occur on the skin, local treatment (antiseptic baths) and frequent change of linen are necessary.
Chlamydial infection prevention
To avoid infection, carry out primary prevention of infection. It includes the following measures:
- Use barrier methods of protection for casual sex.
- If you suspect any STI, you should immediately consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.
- Perform cosmetic and gynecological procedures only with processed or disposable instruments.
To avoid complications, secondary prevention is carried out. It consists in strict adherence to doctor's prescriptions, simultaneous treatment of partners.
What complications are possible with venereal granuloma?
Venereal lymphogranuloma is dangerous for the development of severe complications. Usually they develop in the terminal stage of the disease, in the absence of treatment. With the destruction of the lymph nodes, complications such as paraproctitis, elephantiasis, the appearance of fistulas and adhesions are observed. This leads to intestinal obstruction. When the pathogen enters the bloodstream, inflammation of organs and systems is possible. The most dangerous complication is the penetration of chlamydia into the brain tissue.
