Lymphogranuloma venereum in Spain, 2005-2015: A literature review

Area of Science:

• * Infectious Diseases
• * Public Health
• * Epidemiology

Background:

• * Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that has re-emerged in Europe.
• * Outbreaks primarily affect men who have sex with men (MSM), with increasing incidence noted since 2003.
• * LGV became a notifiable disease in Spain in 2015, highlighting its growing public health significance.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To conduct a comprehensive review of reported Lymphogranuloma venereum cases in Spain.
• * To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of LGV cases between 2005 and 2015.
• * To assess the spread and evolution of LGV within Spain.

Main Methods:

• * Systematic review of published studies on LGV cases in Spain from 2005 to 2015.
• * Inclusion criteria focused on studies reporting clinical and epidemiological data.
• * Data synthesis from fourteen selected studies across seven autonomous regions.

Main Results:

• * LGV cases predominantly occurred in Spanish men who have sex with men (MSM), aged 30-45, presenting with anorectal syndrome.
• * The L2 serotype was the most frequently isolated.
• * Over 60% of MSM cases were co-infected with HIV, and nearly half reported other concurrent STIs.

Conclusions:

• * LGV has significantly spread across Spain since its initial reporting over a decade ago.
• * The observed epidemiological and clinical patterns align with those reported in other European countries.
• * Implementing national surveillance is essential for understanding LGV's magnitude and trajectory, aiding control efforts.