Retroviral infection and haemopoiesis

Human retroviruses have been recognized for the last decade as pathogens for malignant or immunodeficient disease states. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the causal agent for the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Impaired haemopoiesis is common after HIV infection. The pathophysiology of this is not yet fully understood, but may involve direct retroviral infection of progenitors and/or elaboration of suppressor substances by accessory cells in the bone marrow microenvironment. Haemopoietic growth factors have been particularly useful in reconstituting myelopoiesis and erythropoiesis in HIV-infected patients with impaired bone marrow function.