HSV-2 Suppression to Reduce HIV-1 Levels in HIV-1, HSV-2 Co-infected Men.

Summary

Over 80% of HIV-1 infected persons are also seropositive for HSV-2. Increasingly, clinical and epidemiologic evidence show the role of HSV in increasing HIV infectiousness. The evidence suggests that that HSV is an important cofactor in HIV transmission. The trial's purpose is to assess the reduction in HIV shedding associated with valacyclovir for suppression of HSV-2 reactivation. This proof-of-concept, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled crossover trial of 20 HIV/HSV-2 co-infected men, assessed the effects of daily valacyclovir on HIV-1 levels in the plasma and rectal mucosa secretions.

Timeline

Start

2003-08

Primary completion

—

Completion

2004-07

Publications

• Zuckerman RA, Lucchetti A, Whittington WL, Sanchez J, Coombs RW, Magaret A, Wald A, Corey L, Celum C. HSV suppression reduces seminal HIV-1 levels in HIV-1/HSV-2 co-infected men who have sex with men. AIDS. 2009 Feb 20;23(4):479-83. doi: 10.1097/QAD.0b013e328326ca62.
• Zuckerman RA, Lucchetti A, Whittington WL, Sanchez J, Coombs RW, Zuniga R, Magaret AS, Wald A, Corey L, Celum C. Herpes simplex virus (HSV) suppression with valacyclovir reduces rectal and blood plasma HIV-1 levels in HIV-1/HSV-2-seropositive men: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. J Infect Dis. 2007 Nov 15;196(10):1500-8. doi: 10.1086/522523. Epub 2007 Oct 31.

Drugs

Indications