Lymphogranuloma Venereum
Lymphogranuloma Venereum or LGV is caused by the Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. This is caused most often by sexual contact but it can also occur due to other reasons. Lymphogranuloma Venereum is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is more prevalent in the tropical areas. Lymphogranuloma Venereum affects the lymph nodes and causes scarring and destruction of tissue. In the initial stage, Lymphogranuloma Venereum remains as a painless blister. When the disease lasts for a few months, it can spread to the lymph nodes. This may lead to lymphatic obstruction, chronic edema and fibrosis. Left untreated, it can lead to Genital elephantiasis.
Lymphogranuloma Venereum manifests as a small painless ulcer on the male or female genitalia. Swelling and tenderness is experienced in the surrounding lymph nodes. A patient suffering from Lymphogranuloma Venereum may have fever and loss of appetite. There may be drainage from the inguinal lymph nodes and redness and swelling. Women might notice abdominal pain and fistulas.
Multiple sexual partners is a leading cause for Lymphogranuloma Venereum. A blood test can confirm lymphogranuloma venereum based on antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis. Biopsy of the lymph node or serology test for LGV are also conducted to help diagnose the condition. Antibiotic therapy can cure Lymphogranuloma venereum. Medications such as Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Erythromycin are prescribed.
Plague
Plague is a bacterial infection caused by Yersinia pestis and is spread by rodents, especially rats. Exposure to rats, rabbits and squirels increases the risk.
Types of Plague
Bubonic plague: is an infection of the lymph nodes. Symptoms of Bubonic plague symptoms include chills and high fever along with headache and swollen lyph glands (bubo).
Pneumonic plague: is an infection of the lungs. Symptoms of Pneumonic plague include severe cough, blood in sputum and difficulty in breathing.
Septicemic plague: is an infection of the blood. Symptoms of Septicemic plague include diarrhea, fever, low blood pressure, abdominal pain, bleeding and organ failure.
Diagnostic tests that are prescribed for plague are blood and sputum culture. Fluid from a lymph node is often examined. Antibiotics (streptomycin, gentamicin, doxycycline, or ciprofloxacin) are the first line of treatment. Pneumonic plague is infectious. If left untreated, plague can lead to meningitis or later death.
Rubella
Rubella or German Measles is different from measles in that this is caused by the rubella virus. This infection typically strikes at the skin and lymph nodes. When children are infected by rubella, it is generally a mild attack. Rubella is particularly dangerous when it attacks a pregnant woman. The infection can pass through the bloodstream to the fetus. This can result in congenital rubella syndrome in the offspring. This may manifest in growth and mental retardation or malformations. The MMR vaccine is an effective protection against rubella.
The symptoms associated with German measles are mild fever and tender lymph nodes. A rash appears on the face and spreads later to other parts of the body. The rash is pinkish or light red and causes itching. There may be headache, loss of appetite and runny nose. In few patients suffering from rubella, mild conjunctivitis is noticed. Typically the rubella rash lasts 3 days. While children recover faster, adults may take longer.
Bibliography / Reference
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