Treating with Acyclovir Does Not Help Prevent HIV Infection

A large randomized placebo controlled study conducted at the University of Washington has proven that treating herpes with the drug acyclovir (Zovirax) does not reduce the the risk of HIV infection. Previous studies have proven that infection with herpes (HSV-2) is associated with an increased risk of HIV infection. Therefore it was theorized that if the herpes was treated with acyclovir, the risk of HIV infection would decrease. Unfortunately, research data did not support this theory. This study is the second to have such a result, the first a smaller study in Tanzania. Read more about these disappointing results.

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