Malnutrition and susceptibility to infection with Vibrio cholerae in vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops). 2. Response of vervet monkeys on protein, B-vitamin complex and calorie-deficient diets to infection.

Five groups of vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) were fed regular monkey chow, low protein (LP), low B-vitamin complex (LBV), LP-LBV, or low protein- low calorie (LP-LC) diets, respectively. After eight weeks the animals were infected with cholera vibrios. IgG, IgA and IgM increased in the sera of all animals after the challenge but the avidity of the immunoglobulins was lower in vervets on LP diets. Diarrhea and excretion of vibrios lasted longer in animals consuming less protein.