Lymphogranuloma venereum presenting as an ulcer on the tongue

Sex Transm Infect. 2019 May;95(3):169-170. doi: 10.1136/sextrans-2018-053787. Epub 2018 Dec 15.

Abstract

Oropharyngeal lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is an uncommon presentation and mainly consists of either asymptomatic infections or enlarged cervical lymphadenopathy. According to cross-sectional studies, the prevalence of pharyngeal LGV among men who have sex with men (MSM) seems to be very low. Tissue tropism could explain the difference between rectal and oral mucosa infection frequencies. This paper reports the singular case of an oral ulcer caused by LGV in an MSM who had also an asymptomatic rectal infection. Given the increasing number of cases of LGV, unusual presentations such as oral ulceration may be seen more frequently.

Keywords: chlamydia trachomatis; gay men; lymphogranuloma venereum; modes of transmission; oral cavity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Doxycycline / therapeutic use
  • HIV Infections*
  • Humans
  • Lymphogranuloma Venereum / complications
  • Lymphogranuloma Venereum / diagnosis*
  • Lymphogranuloma Venereum / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Tongue Diseases / complications
  • Tongue Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Tongue Diseases / drug therapy
  • Ulcer / complications
  • Ulcer / diagnosis*
  • Ulcer / drug therapy
  • Viral Load

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Doxycycline