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Lymphogranuloma venereum major cause of C. trachomatis in MSM with HIV
Despite finding a lymphogranuloma venereum-inducing strain, also known as genovar L2b, of Chlamydia trachomatis among men who have sex with men who also have HIV, there is no evidence to support the idea that other specific C. trachomatis strains are circulating endemically within this population, according to study results published online.
Study researcher Reinier Bom, a PhD student at the Public Health Laboratory, Cluster Infectious Diseases at the Public Health Service of Amsterdam, and colleagues recruited 260 MSM at the clinic from 2008 to 2009 who had chlamydia. The researchers then typed the 277 samples.
Reinier Bom
“Men infected with lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)-inducing strains were more likely to be HIV-infected, more often had a history of STIs, and displayed higher sexual risk behavior,” the researchers wrote.
Not surprisingly, the men who reported having sex with women were more likely to be infected with heterosexual-associated strains.
The researchers noted some limitations, notably that the study was conducted during a 14-month period, which may not have been long enough to determine the patterns of C. trachomatis.
Reinier Bom can be reached at rbom@ggd.amsterdam.nl.
Disclosure: Bom reports no relevant financial disclosures.