**CURRENTLY ENROLLING COHORT 3**
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.
There are 3 cohorts in this study that vary in duration. The first 2 cohorts involve a 8-week study participation period while the 3rd cohort involves a 48-week participation period. Participants will be screened for HSV (herpes virus) and HIV and may be screened for Hepatitis B and C. After your Screening Visit, you will be followed for up to 2 years until your next genital herpes outbreak. When you experience an outbreak, you will be asked to come in to clinic as soon as the outbreak is noticed. A biopsy of the lesion site will occur, as well as a blood draw.
Blood draws and genital skin biopsies will also be collected at most of the visits. No more than 6 biopsies will be collected during this study.
Eligibility Criteria:
- 18 years of age or older
- History of genital herpes outbreaks
- Willing to stop taking HSV suppressive therapy during the study
Conditions which would prevent a volunteer from participating in this study:
- Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant during the study
- Immune suppression due to underlying illness, certain medications, or anti-cancer therapies
Compensation:
Participants will be compensated for their time and effort.
Clinic Location:
Our clinic is located on the 11th floor of the Ninth and Jefferson Building at Harborview Medical Center and open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Call (206) 520-4340, or email now to see if you are eligible!