Question

Lymphogranuloma venereum is best treated by

• A. Doxycycline
• B. Erythromycin
• C. Azithromycin
• D. Ciprofloxacin

Hint:

LGV is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis; think of drugs that cover chlamydial infection.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) is a sexually transmitted disease caused by particular serotypes of Chlamydia trachomatis, and this question asks which drug treats it best.

1. Doxycycline: This is the classic, most commonly quoted first line drug for LGV, usually given for about three weeks to clear the infection from lymph tissue.
2. Erythromycin: Kept mainly as a substitute for pregnant patients or those who cannot take doxycycline, not the usual first choice.
3. Azithromycin: Works well against Chlamydia trachomatis and is accepted as an effective option for LGV in several guidelines, usually as a weekly dose over three weeks. This paper's answer key marks this as correct.
4. Ciprofloxacin: A fluoroquinolone aimed at organisms like Neisseria gonorrhoeae, not the standard drug for a chlamydial disease such as LGV.

Most textbooks lead with doxycycline as the drug of choice for LGV, but azithromycin is a recognized and effective alternative against the same organism, and it is the option this compiled key selects.

Let's summarize:

• Doxycycline is the classic first line drug for LGV in most references.
• Azithromycin is an accepted alternative against Chlamydia trachomatis and is the answer marked in this source.

So, per this paper's key, azithromycin is the treatment marked correct for lymphogranuloma venereum.