Principal Investigator:
Christine Johnston, MD, MPH, Department of Medicine

Study Title:
Interaction between HSV-2 and the vaginal microbiome in the female genital tract

Study Description:
The purpose of the study is to study the interaction between herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) and bacterial vaginosis (BV) in the female genital tract.

The study will enroll women who are 18 or older and who test positive to HSV-2 (by blood test) and have had BV in the past year.

Participants will be asked to collect 4 samples from the vagina and vulva every day for 30 days and to complete a daily diary which will detail sexual activity, medications, and menstrual cycle. Participants will be asked to visit the clinic for a minimum of 3 visits (every 2 weeks). After completion of the first 30 day period of sample collection, participants may have the option to do additional 3 day study periods while taking medication to suppress HSV-2 (valacyclovir) or BV (intravaginal metronidazole).

Eligibility Criteria:

• 18 years or older
• HSV-2 seropositive
• History of BV in the past year or at the screening visit
• In good health
• HIV negative
• Women must not be pregnant and must agree to practice adequate contraception during the study.

Exclusions (conditions which would prevent a volunteer from participating in this study):

• Women only: breastfeeding or plans to become pregnant during the study

Location:
UW Virology Research Clinic
908 Jefferson St, 11^th Floor,
Seattle, WA 98104

Compensation:
$50 per visit