Malnutrition and susceptibility to infection with Vibrio cholerae in vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops). 1. Induction of protein, B-vitamin complex and calorie malnutrition.

Five groups of eight vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) were fed regular monkey chow, low protein (LP), low B-vitamin complex (LBV), low protein - low B-vitamin complex (LB-LBV), or protein - low calorie (LP-LC) diet, respectively, for eight weeks. Hematocrit values, hemoglobin, BUN, total protein, albumin, riboflavin and body weight decreased, the ratio of dispensable/indispensable amino acids increased in all animals receiving a deficient diet. Total globulin, IgG and IgM remained unchanged in vervets on LBV diet; panthotenic acid and cyanocobalamin in animals receiving LBV, LP or LP-LC chow; and pyridoxal on the LP or LP-LC diet.