Abstract
BACKGROUND: The sooty mangabey is a vulnerable West African species that naturally harbors simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) without pathological symptoms. We present normative hematology and serum chemistry values for this species. METHODS: Hematology analytes from 136 females and 96 males and serum chemistry analytes from 57 females and 26 males were studied. RESULTS: Values of several analytes fell outside published reference ranges in the rhesus monkey, a laboratory standard for Old World primates. Erythrocyte-related parameters were higher in mangabeys than in rhesus monkeys, while platelet counts were lower. Mangabeys also had higher gamma-glutamyltransferase levels and lower urea nitrogen levels. Males had higher erythrocyte-associated values than females. Albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, calcium, and creatinine changed with age in patterns similar to those reported for the rhesus monkey. CONCLUSIONS: The unique blood profile of the mangabey should be taken into account in clinical and experimental studies of this species.