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The confirmation of a case of a rare and potentially serious STD in an Atlanta man has prompted health officials to urge men who have sex with men to take precautions against this and other STDs.

In a statement last month, the Georgia Division of Public Health said a case of Lymphogranuloma Venereum-- or LGV, a rare form of chlamydia-- was confirmed in a gay man who also has HIV and another STD.

Six LGV cases have been identified: two in New York, three in San Francisco, and the Atlanta case. Since 1992, Georgia has recorded 16 cases of the disease.

LGV is difficult to diagnose. Symptoms of the current cases have included rectal bleeding, pus from the rectum or painful defecation. LGV's traditional symptoms are swelling of the lymph nodes in the groin.

Adding to health officials' concerns: The ulcers and bleeding associated with LGV increase the risk of HIV transmission.

Ninety-two cases of LGV had been identified in the Netherlands by November-- far higher than the country's usual two to three cases per year.

Editor's Note: from the Associated Press