Histopathologic changes in macaques with an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Primate Immunology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• A previous study documented the clinical presentation of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in a macaque colony.
• This research expands on that by examining the pathological findings in affected animals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a histopathological review of tissues from macaque monkeys exhibiting AIDS.
• To identify opportunistic infections and other pathological conditions associated with the syndrome in this animal model.

Main Methods:

• Histopathological examination of tissues from 16 macaques with AIDS at necropsy.
• Analysis of various organs for signs of infection and neoplastic or degenerative processes.

Main Results:

• Opportunistic infections including cytomegalovirus (CMV), simian virus 40 (SV-40), and noma were identified.
• Unusual findings included lymphoproliferative disorders (ranging from nodules to lymphoma) in 4 animals.
• Retroperitoneal fibrosis was noted in 3 animals, and amyloidosis was observed in several, including intestinal mucosal involvement.

Conclusions:

• Histopathology reveals a spectrum of opportunistic infections and novel pathological conditions in macaques with AIDS.
• The findings highlight the utility of this macaque model for studying AIDS-related pathologies.
• Further research into these specific conditions may offer insights into disease mechanisms and potential treatments.