Suppressive Effect of Acyclovir on Rapidly Cleared HSV-2

Men and Women
Drug study
Swabbing study
Blood draws

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to study the effectiveness of the standard, FDA-approved dose of acyclovir (400 mg twice daily) compared to no medication in reducing rapidly cleared episodes of herpes virus shedding in persons that are infected with HSV-2.

Study Visits and Procedures: Involvement in the study will last 9-weeks and participants will be asked to visit the clinic every 2-weeks. This study is what is known as a randomized, cross-over study. This means we will make comparisons between two study groups. Randomization means that participants are put into a group by chance, like flipping a coin. One study group will begin by receiving acyclovir and the other study group will begin by taking no medication. “Crossover study” means that after 4-weeks, participants will go to the other study arm. Participants will asked to complete a daily symptom diary and collect daily home swabs 4-times a day, everyday during the study.

*We need:*	*We provide:*
Men and women age 18 or older HIV seronegative HIV seropositive, CD4 count >250 and not taking antiretroviral therapy Women cannot be pregnant or planning to become pregnant, and must use birth control throughout duration of study	HSV, HIV, and pregnancy testing $210 for completion of the entire study