Repeated detection of lymphogranuloma venereum caused by Chlamydia trachomatis L2 in homosexual men in Hamburg

Bacteria of the species Chlamydia trachomatis are divided into serovars that are associated with different disease manifestations. Serovars A-C cause trachoma, which occurs mainly in undeveloped countries. Serovars D-K are responsible for oculogenital infections, and serovars L1, L2, and L3 cause lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). Infections of serovars A-K are usually confined to the mucosal epithelia of the eyes and the anogenital tract. In contrast, the L-serovars are more invasive and may induce genital ulcer or inguinal lymphadenopathy after passing the epithelial surface.1 While serovars D-K are distributed worldwide and represent the most frequent bacterial sexually transmitted disease in Europe and North America, LGV caused by the L-serovars is a very rare …