HSV-2 Suppression to Reduce HIV-1 Levels in HIV-1 Co-infected Persons

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 HSV is an important co-factor in HIV transmission. The trial's purpose is to assess the reduction in HIV systemic and mucosal replication associated with valacyclovir for suppression of HSV-2 reactivation. This randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled crossover trial of 20 HIV/HSV-2 co-infected women assessed the effects of daily valacyclovir on HIV-1 levels in blood and body fluids.

Timeline

Start

2005-01

Primary completion

2005-12

Completion

2007-12

Publications

• Baeten JM, Strick LB, Lucchetti A, Whittington WL, Sanchez J, Coombs RW, Magaret A, Wald A, Corey L, Celum C. Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-suppressive therapy decreases plasma and genital HIV-1 levels in HSV-2/HIV-1 coinfected women: a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial. J Infect Dis. 2008 Dec 15;198(12):1804-8. doi: 10.1086/593214.

Drugs

Indications