A Study of Valacyclovir as Treatment for Genital Herpes Simplex Virus in HIV-Infected Patients

Inclusion Criteria Patients may be eligible for this study if they: Are at least 18 years old. Are HIV-positive. Have herpes simplex virus (HSV) 2. Have received combination anti-HIV therapy for at least 2 months before entering the study. Have had 4 or more recurrences of ano-genital HSV (herpes infection of the anus and genitals) in the last 12 months. (If patient is taking medication to control HSV, then he/she must have had 4 or more recurrences of ano-genital HSV per year before beginning regular anti-HSV therapy, which is defined as therapy of 12 or more weeks.) Agree to use effective methods of birth control from 2 weeks before taking study drug, throughout the study, and for 4 weeks after completing the study. (A female may be eligible if not able to have children.) Exclusion Criteria Patients will not be eligible for this study if they: Have blood vessel disease. Are sensitive to acyclovir, Valtrex, famciclovir, or ganciclovir. Are unable to take medications by mouth. Have non-healed sores on the anus or genitals at beginning of study. Are using anti-herpes drugs. To be eligible for enrollment, patients currently using anti-herpes drugs must stop treatment with these drugs at the beginning of the study; however, therapy may be started again if the investigator finds it necessary. Are using interferon. Patients receiving interferon must stop interferon before beginning the study. Have kidney or liver problems. Are pregnant or breast-feeding. Have a type of HSV that is resistant to acyclovir, Valtrex, famciclovir, or ganciclovir.