Acyclovir May Lower Levels of the Virus that Causes AIDS

Friday, September 12 2008

Reviewed by:  Arthur Allen, Pharm. D., CACP

In the United States alone, more than45 million people over the age of 12 are infected with genital herpes, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Infection with genital herpes increases the risk of contracting HIV - the virus that causes AIDS.  This is especially true during a herpes outbreak.  Neither genital herpes nor HIV can be cured, but a variety of medications exist to treat the symptoms of herpes.  Research indicates that one of these treatments, Acyclovir, may actually have the added benefit of lowering levels of HIV in those infected with both viruses.

Acyclovir and its effects on viruses

While Acyclovir does not prevent HIV infection, findings published in the Cell Host & Microbe journal indicate reduced levels of HIV in people taking Acyclovir.  It was already known that Acyclovir inhibits the replication of the Herpes virus.  Now, according to this new study, Acyclovir also has an effect on HIV’s ability to replicate.

About the study

Researchers studied the Acyclovir and HIV interaction by culturing the HIV and herpes viruses together in removed tonsils.  Tonsils were chosen because the tonsil tissue provides a body-like environment, allowing the viruses to reproduce like they normally would.  When Acyclovir was added to the cultures, levels of both HIV and herpes decreased.  However, when added to HIV not mixed with herpes, Acyclovir had no effect suppressing HIV’s reproduction.

Phosphorylation

When Acyclovir and herpes interact, phosphorylation occurs.  So, when researchers attempted to use Acyclovir to suppress HIV in the absence of the herpes virus, the results were negative because, without phosphorylation, the Acyclovir does not become an active compound.

Hope in the fight against AIDS

The researchers involved in this study are excited, seeing their findings opening new areas of research in the fight against HIV.  More testing is certainly needed, but with these new findings, Acyclovir may eventually become part of the cocktails used to treat HIV.

Where to buy Acyclovir

Like other medications, Acyclovir can be obtained at a regular pharmacy with a prescription from a doctor.  However, an alternative option would be going to a safe online pharmacy. Purchasing Acyclovir online is an option that provides convenience paired with privacy.  Herpes is an embarrassing condition for most people, and certainly not something they want to announce to the public while picking up medication in a pharmacy.  Buying Acyclovir from an online pharmacy removes the awkward embarrassment factor by allowing patients to obtain a prescription and order medication from the comfort of their own homes.