U.K. reports 215
LGV infections

Health officials in the United Kingdom this month confirmed that there have been 215 recorded cases of the sexually transmitted disease lymphogranuloma venereum, a rare form of chlamydia, AIDSMap.com reports. Nearly all of the infections have been among gay or bisexual men, and 81% have been reported among HIV-positive men, according to the U.K. Health Protection Agency. Two heterosexual HIV-positive men also have been diagnosed with LGV, according to HPA.

LGV is most commonly transmitted between gay men through unprotected anal sex. The STD is treatable with antibiotics but can cause severe genital and rectal swelling and scarring if left untreated. LGV outbreaks among gay and bisexual men have been reported since 2004 in several European countries and Canada, as well as in New York City, Atlanta, Boston, and San Francisco.

Scientists believe the anal and rectal bleeding associated with LGV infection may significantly boost the risks of HIV infection through unprotected sex. (Advocate.com)