AEGiS-BAYW: CDC releases data on rare STD found in gay men

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

CDC releases data on rare STD found in gay men

Bay Windows - May 11, 2006
Ethan Jacobs, ejacobs@baywindows.com

At a May 10 press briefing during the 2006 National STD Prevention Conference in Jacksonville, Fla., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) told press about the recent outbreak of a sexually transmitted disease called lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) among gay and bisexual men in the United States, primarily in New York City. The disease, which is caused by a form of Chlamydia bacteria, can cause inflammation and bleeding of the rectum and colon, and CDC officials believe it is transmitted through anal sex. Up until 2004, when cases of LGV were first diagnosed among MSM in the U.S., the disease was largely prevalent in parts of Africa, Asia and South America but rarely seen in this country.

Dr. John Douglas, director of the Division of STD Prevention for the CDC, said that the greatest obstacle to diagnosing LGV is that few labs have the capacity to test for the disease. Currently the CDC has confirmed 30 reported cases of LGV, and New York City health officials have found 31 cases. Yet Douglas said it is likely there are many other cases that have not been diagnosed.

"This is very much the tip of the iceberg," said Douglas.

He said the CDC is currently developing a new test that would allow health departments to diagnose LGV locally and more rapidly than using the present test. Until the test is approved most suspected cases of LGV are sent to the CDC to be tested. Douglas said because there may be a delay in diagnosing patients, the CDC urges health care providers to begin presumptively treating patients until they receive the results.

The CDC believes LGV poses a particular risk for those infected with HIV. Because LGV causes inflammation of the anus and rectum, Douglas said it likely enhances the transmission of HIV. It is unclear what impact LGV has on the health of those living with HIV. Preeti Pathela, research scientist for the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, said that of the cases found in New York, 84 percent of the patients were also HIV positive.

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