Epidemic of acquired immunodeficiency in rhesus monkeys

A syndrome closely resembling acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in man has been identified in a group of 64 rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) maintained outdoors at the California Primate Research Center. The syndrome is characterised by generalised lymphadenopathy, severe opportunistic infections including cytomegalovirus, chronic wasting, and high mortality. In 1 animal a multifocal cutaneous fibrosarcoma developed. This syndrome in monkeys may provide an animal model for human AIDS.