Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV) PCR

Description: 
Qualitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay for the detection of the L1, L2 and L3 (Lymphogranuloma venereum [LGV]-causing) serovars of Chlamydia trachomatis in specimens known to be positive for C. trachomatis. This assay is performed once per week.
Clinical details: 
LGV is a sexually transmitted infection caused by an invasive form of C. trachomatis that invades mononuclear phagocytes of the lymphatic system (serovars L1, L2 and L3). Classically a tropical infection, it is now causing outbreaks in the UK, predominantly affecting men who have sex with men.
Related condition or disease: 
Chlamydia
Reference range: 

Not applicable

Synonyms or keywords: 
Lymphogranuloma venereum LGV Durand-Nicholas-Favre disease Lymphogranuloma inguinale Tropical bubo
Units: 
Qualitative: Detected/Not Detected
Department: 
Infection Sciences Department
Location: 
St Thomas' Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
An aliquot (minimum volume 500µL) of liquid from a C. trachomatis positive Aptima tube containing vaginal, cervical, urethral, rectal or throat swabs, or urine. A "3in1" sample (throat and rectal swabs combined with urine) can also be tested. Only specimens that are known to be positive for C. trachomatis are accepted for testing. All samples must be collected using the appropriate Aptima collection kit containing either swab(s) or urine.
Turnaround time: 
10 working days
Special sample instructions: 

To collect "3in1" samples, place both rectal and throat swabs into a yellow Aptima urine tube and express the swabs into the liquid. Remove and discard BOTH swabs. Next, add the urine into the same yellow Aptima urine tube, filling to BETWEEN the black lines.

Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Place labelled sample in a sealed sample bag and send to Central Specimen Reception (CSR). Samples do not require refrigeration.
Contacts:
Infection Sciences Department at St Thomas' Hospital
020 7188 8008
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Core opening hours: Monday-Friday 0900-1730


For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Virology Laboratory at St Thomas'

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Last updated: 06/10/2023