When platelet counts were compared in 1986 and 1992 in 117 anti-HIV antibody positive and negative hemophilia patients, a clear decrease was found in the positive group. In 1992 platelet counts < 150 x 10(9) were present in 23.5% of the positive group in contrast to 5.8% of the negative group. Comparing platelet counts with other clinical parameters, a positive correlation was found with cholinesterase and a negative correlation with IgG in both the positive and negative groups, while negative correlations with beta 2-microglobulin and platelet-associated IgG were found in only the positive group. These findings implicate the chronic liver dysfunction present in hemophilia patients, apart from HIV infection, in the decrease in platelet counts, with immunodeficiency playing an additional role in the positive group. In the treatment of a hemophilia B patient showing decreased platelet counts, these counts increased consistent with the administration of Acyclovir and Zidovudine. It was demonstrated that HSV-1 and HIV-1 antigen are present on the soluble platelets of this patient and are recognized by antibodies in the patient's serum.