[An outbreak of lymphogranuloma venereum in Western Europe].

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis serotypes L1, L2, and L3. It is endemic in tropical areas, while seldom in industrialised countries. Since 2002, an outbreak of rectal LGV has been observed among men having sex with men, in Netherlands, France, and other countries of Western Europe. After an incubation period of 2 days to 2 months, LGV develops in three stages: ulcerated papule; inflammatory satellite lymph node and/or proctitis; chronic inflammatory complications (fistulas and sclerosis). Chlamydia trachomatis infection is confirmed by PCR and serovars is identified by RFLP of omp1 gene amplified by PCR. Recommended first line treatment is doxycycline for at least 21 days.