Lymphogranuloma venereum

Statutory notification

• Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a notifiable infectious disease in Western Australia.
• Case definition: See notifiable communicable disease case definitions (Word 1.29MB).
• Notification: Notify using the communicable disease notification form for metropolitan residents (PDF 214KB) or regional residents (PDF 213KB). For notification of regional residents see contact details of public health units.
• See also description of statutory medical notifications in Western Australia.

Public health summary

• Infectious agent: Rare subtypes of Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria (L1 – L3).
• Transmission: LGV is passed on by unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex with an infected person. It can also be spread by sharing sex toys. An infected mother can pass LGV on to her baby during childbirth.
• Incubation period: From 3 to 30 days but may be longer.
• Infectious period: Infected persons are presumed to be infectious. Without treatment, infection can persist for years.
• Case exclusion: Do not exclude.
• Contact exclusion: Do not exclude.
• Treatment: Antibiotic treatment as recommended by the WA STI/BBV management guidelines (Silver book) – Lymphogranuloma venereum.
• Immunisation: None available.
• Case follow-up: Is the responsibility of health care providers.

Guidelines for public health units

• WA STI/BBV management guidelines (Silver book) – Lymphogranuloma venereum.
• Other WA and National policies and guidelines

Notifiable disease data and reports

• General infectious disease reports
• Notifiable infectious disease dashboard