Sponsor has withdrawn support for this study and it will not be performed

We will be examining the effects of suppressive valacyclovir therapy on the stability of vaginal flora in women who are seropositive for HSV-2. We have preliminary data that suggests the presence of HSV-2 increases the risk for Group B Streptococcus colonization as well as many other deleterious organisms (e.g. Streptococcus pseudoporcinus), in addition to increasing the risk for acquisition of BV-associated vaginal flora. We will be examining the effects of suppressive therapy on the vaginal flora of any HSV-2 seropositive woman.

Screening Inclusion Criteria:

• Women 18-40 years of age at the time of screening
• Willing to be screened for HSV-2 using a rapid, FDA approved test
• Using an effective method of birth control (examples of effective methods of birth control are: women practicing abstinence x 90 days, hormonal birth control, consistent condom use, bilateral tubal ligation, partner with a vasectomy)

Screening Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant or nursing mother
• Use of any antimicrobial agents (vaginal or systemic) for the treatment of any condition within 7 days
• Presence of any intrauterine device
• Allergy or hypersensitivity to valcyclovir or nucleoside analogues

Enrollment Inclusion Criteria:

• Women 18-40 Years of age at the time of screening
• HSV-2 seropositive as determined by rapid HSV-2 testing
• Using an effective method of birth control (examples of effective methods of birth control are: women practicing abstinence x 90 days, hormonal birth control, consistent condom use, bilateral tubal ligation, partner with a vasectomy)
• Willing to avoid use of any intravaginal products during study period
• Capable of providing written informed consent
• Capable of cooperating to the extent and degree required by this protocol

Enrollment Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy (all women will have a urine pregnancy test prior to randomization and treatment)
• nursing mother
• Menopausal women
• Use of any antimicrobial agents (vaginal or systemic) for the treatment of any condition within 7 days of study enrollment
• Known immunocompromised state
• Significant Medical disorder that precludes accurate evaluation of participants condition
• Presence of any intrauterine device
• History of significant hepatic or renal impairment
• Sensitivity/allergy to valacyclovir or nucleoside analogues
• history of acyclovir or valacyclovir resistant HSV infection
• Participation in a study using an investigational product in the past 30 days