What is the treatment protocol for Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)?

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted infection caused by certain strains of Chlamydia trachomatis (serovars L1, L2, and L3). The recommended treatment for LGV focuses on effective antibiotic therapy that targets the underlying causative organism. Doxycycline is the antibiotic of choice for treating LGV, specifically at a dosage of 100 mg taken twice daily for a total of 21 days.

Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic that works by inhibiting protein synthesis in susceptible bacteria, making it effective against Chlamydia trachomatis. Its oral bioavailability and ability to penetrate tissues make it especially suitable for the treatment of this infection.

Using another antibiotic like penicillin would not be effective, as penicillin primarily targets gram-positive organisms and is not effective against atypical bacteria like Chlamydia. Ceftriaxone is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin that is more often used for other sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea, rather than LGV specifically. Nitrofurantoin is primarily utilized for urinary tract infections and does not cover Chlamydia trachomatis.

The choice of doxycycline is thus based on its efficacy in treating