The University of Washington is seeking volunteers for a genital herpes (HSV-2) study. The purpose of this study is to learn more about the body’s immune response to genital herpes infections. This will be done by looking at tissue collected from genital skin biopsies and cervical biopsies (women only).We will also look at viral shedding (when the virus is present on the genital skin, sometimes even without symptoms).

Participants will undergo a Screening Visit to see whether they are eligible. This visit will involve a blood test for HSV and HIV. The study may last for up to one year and involve 5 study visits. All visits will include genital biopsies and cervical biopsies (women only), and blood draws. If you are taking HSV suppressive therapy you will be asked to stop taking the medication during the study. However, you will be able to treat individual outbreaks.  

To be eligible for the study you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Test positive for HSV-2 antibodies by a blood test
• Experience genital herpes outbreaks
• Live in the Seattle, Washington area for the duration of the study

Conditions which would prevent you from participating in this study:

• HIV positive
• Currently pregnant or breastfeeding

Compensation:

• Participants will be compensated $1150 for the entire study.
• Women will receive an additional $300 for female-specific specimen collection.