Chlamydia trachomatis
Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV) Enhanced Surveillance
Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV) is caused by infection with Chlamydia trachomatis serotypes L1, L2, and L3 and until recently cases in Western Europe remained rare. In 2003, an outbreak of LGV was reported in mainland Europe in MSM (men who have sex with men) and in response the HPA launched an LGV enhanced surveillance program in October 2004.
Please see our policy documents 
Policy for referral of specimens for confirmation of LGV (PDF, 23 KB) for further details.
To date (05/06/2009) we have confirmed 915 cases of LGV. The samples have all been from men attending GUM clinics from various locations around the UK, but predominantly in London and Brighton.
Chlamydia trachomatis Culture Service
STBRL offer a free of charge primary diagnostic service for the detection of viable C. trachomatis infection. The service is aimed at patients with persistent infections who have failed previous treatment with a first-line therapeutic regime (Azithromycin or Doxycycline) and have been confirmed as C. trachomatis positive at the local laboratory.
STBRL will accept swabs from patients fitting the above criteria. Correct storage of the swabs is essential to preserve viability of the organisms. It is therefore requested that specimens are sent to STBRL only with prior notification.
For more information please refer to the STBRL Chlamydia Culture Service Guidelines (PDF, 33 KB)
When sending in samples to STBRL for Chlamydia trachomatis cell culture please complete the following
and either the
OR THE
If you have any queries about this service, please contact the laboratory by telephone (020 8327 6464) or email stbrl@hpa.org.uk.
Last reviewed: 23 June 2009
