Hematologic abnormalities in simian acquired immune deficiency syndrome

Hematologic abnormalities were defined in 31 rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) with simian acquired immune deficiency syndrome (SAIDS). Animals manifested anemia (hypochromic/microcytic), severe neutropenia and progressive lymphopenia, monocytosis and occasional thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow studies showed erythroid hyperplasia with a marked left shift and adequate megakaryocytes. Two animals showed profound hypoplasia of all hematopoietic elements. Most animals were iron deficient, but the course of the anemia suggested additional factors. There was no evidence of immune hemolysis. The pathogenesis of these abnormalities is not clear and will require further study. This reproducible disease will allow studies to elucidate the mechanisms of viral-induced hematologic abnormalities.