Background Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) has re-emerged among men who have sex with men (MSM) internationally. Previous cases among MSM in Australia have been reported. We aimed to characterise a series of LGV cases seen at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre.

Methods We reviewed all cases of LGV seen at the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between 2005 and 2010. During this period MSM who were diagnosed with rectal chlamydia using strand displacement assay were routinely questioned about symptoms of proctitis using a symptom check list. Those with symptoms of proctitis had specimens forwarded for Chlamydia trachomatis omp1 genotyping. Genotyping of chlamydia-positive first void urine and penile ulcers in MSM was undertaken on selected MSM based on clinical presentation.

Results During the study period, of 292 chlamydia positive ano-rectal specimens that were genotyped, 21 (7.2%) tested positive for LGV. Of the eight chlamydia positive urine or penile specimens genotyped, four were positive for LGV. There was also one case of an inguinal bubo that tested LGV positive from aspirated pus. In all cases L2 or L2b type was isolated. Of the 25 cases of LGV, 18 (72%) were in HIV positive men. Of the 21 men who had ano-rectal LGV, all had ano-rectal symptoms, namely—ano-rectal pain (71%), anal discharge (62%) and/or rectal bleeding (52%). All but one of the LGV infected men received at least a 3-week course of doxycycline 100 mg twice daily. Two men with ano-rectal LGV remained LGV positive on follow-up when tested 3 months later. Both these patients were noted to have had unprotected sex following initial treatment, hence, it is unclear whether this was due to treatment failure or reinfection.

Conclusions LGV continues to be seen among MSM in Melbourne presenting with proctitis. Genotyping of anal chlamydia infections has been useful in distinguishing LGV from the more common non-LGV chlamydial infections, therefore ensuring appropriate antibiotic therapy and follow-up are instigated.