HSV Serial Biopsy Study

26 Sep HSV Serial Biopsy Study

The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the skin cells that are infected with genital herpes and the immune system cells that are recruited to your skin when you have a genital herpes outbreak.

This study involves a 48-week participation period. At the first visit, participants will be screened for HSV and HIV. After the Screening Visit, participants will be followed for up to 2 years until their next genital herpes outbreak. When they experience an outbreak, participants will be asked to come into the clinic as soon as the outbreak is noticed. A biopsy of the lesion site will occur, as well as a blood draw.

Additional blood draws and genital skin biopsies will be collected at the follow-up visits at week 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 48. No more than 6 biopsies will be collected during this study. There will be no at-home swab collection.

Participants will be compensated $775 if they complete the entire study. Parking and bus tickets are also provided.

Participant Eligibility

Eligibility Criteria:
▪ People 18 years of age or older
▪ HSV-2 seropositive with a history of HSV outbreaks
▪ Willing to stop taking HSV suppressive therapy during the study period

Exclusions (conditions which would prevent a volunteer from participating in this study):
▪ People of childbearing potential: pregnant or breastfeeding
▪ Immune suppression due to underlying illness, certain medications, or anti-cancer therapies

Contact

Virology Research Clinic
(206) 520-4340