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Retroperitoneal fibromatosis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in macaques: clinical and immunologic studies
Abstract:
A simian acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (SAIDS) associated with retroperitoneal fibromatosis (RF) has been observed in several species of macaque at the Washington Regional Primate Research Center. Clinical signs were recurrent diarrhea, weight loss, mesenteric lymphadenopathy, and opportunistic infections. Most affected macaques in the later stages of illness showed marked immunodeficiency. Response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to mitogens was impaired significantly. There was sharply depressed primary and secondary antibody response to the T-cell dependent antigen, bacteriophage phi X174. Affected monkeys did not switch from IgM to IgG antibody following a secondary immunization, as did normal macaques. Twenty-four (67%) of 36 affected animals with progressive RF or deteriorated stages of illness had hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia. Quantitative serum immunoglobulins of 23 cases showed that eight (35%) had hypogammaglobulinemia, six (26%) had hypergammaglobulinemia, and the remainder (39%) were within the normal range. Opportunistic infections were predominantly bacterial pathogens. Type D retrovirus appeared to be closely associated with RF-affected macaques (12/12 or 100%). The case fatality rate (including animals sacrificed after prolonged illness) was 98%. The leading cause of death was due directly to RF lesions in 43%, to enterocolitis in 36%, septicemia in 12%, amyloidosis in 5%, and malignant lymphoma (2%). Clinical, immunologic and pathologic changes reveal an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome that has many similarities to human AIDS. SAIDS and RF may be a useful model for studying human AIDS.
Insights
Simian acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (SAIDS) in macaques, linked to retroperitoneal fibromatosis (RF) and Type D retrovirus, caused severe immunodeficiency and high mortality. This condition serves as a valuable model for studying human AIDS.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Immunology
- Retroviral Research
Background:
- Simian acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (SAIDS) associated with retroperitoneal fibromatosis (RF) has been identified in macaques.
- Clinical manifestations include diarrhea, weight loss, lymphadenopathy, and opportunistic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the clinical, immunological, and pathological features of SAIDS associated with RF in macaques.
- To investigate the association between Type D retrovirus and this simian immunodeficiency syndrome.
- To evaluate the potential of this model for human AIDS research.
Main Methods:
- Clinical observation and pathological examination of affected macaques.
- Immunological assays including mitogen response and antibody production.
- Serological testing for Type D retrovirus.
Main Results:
- Affected macaques exhibited marked immunodeficiency, impaired T-cell function, and abnormal antibody responses.
- Hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, and altered immunoglobulin levels were common.
- Type D retrovirus was detected in 100% of RF-affected macaques.
- The case fatality rate was 98%, with RF lesions, enterocolitis, and septicemia as primary causes of death.
Conclusions:
- SAIDS associated with RF presents with severe immunodeficiency and high mortality in macaques.
- The strong association with Type D retrovirus highlights its etiological role.
- This macaque model offers significant potential for understanding human AIDS pathogenesis and testing interventions.