Low protein intake and response toEscherichia coli 055 infection in patas monkeys

Patas monkeys (Erythrocebus patas) receiving a low protein diet were infected with a mildly enteropathogenicEscherichia coli 055 strain. The subsequent immunologic response including agglutinin, opsonin and immunocyte formation was reduced relative to controls which received full protein rations. The infective organisms were excreted for a longer time by patas given a low protein diet. Total serum protein and albumin declined in patas with a low protein intake. Immunoglobulin G, A and M measurements in the spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes and intestines after infection were less than those in the controls. Total RNA values and amino acid uptake decreased. A shift of the ribosomal fractions was observed. It was concluded that lack of dietary protein impaired protein synthesis, including that of cell-bound antibodies, and that it is feasible to use patas monkeys to study the relationship between enteric infections and protein malnutrition.