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MICROBIC VIRULENCE AND HOST SUSCEPTIBILITY IN PARATYPHOID-ENTERITIDIS INFECTION OF WHITE MICE : V. THE EFFECT OF DIET
1Laboratories of The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research.
Abstract:
White mice from the Rockefeller Institute breeding room fed on a McCollum complete diet, consisting of whole wheat (67.5 per cent), casein (15 per cent), milk powder (10 per cent), NaCl (1 per cent), CaCO(3)(1.5 per cent), and butter fat (5 per cent) are more resistant to mouse typhoid infection, mercury bichloride intoxication, and botulinus toxin than are similar mice fed on bread and pasteurized milk supplemented by an oatmeal and buckwheat mixture and dog biscuit.
Insights
Mice fed a complete diet showed increased resistance to infections and toxins compared to mice on a less complete diet. This highlights the importance of balanced nutrition for animal health and disease prevention.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Immunology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Diet significantly impacts animal health and disease resistance.
- Previous research suggests specific dietary components influence susceptibility to infections and toxins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the resistance of mice to specific infections and toxins based on two different diets.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a complete diet versus a supplemented diet in enhancing animal resilience.
Main Methods:
- White mice were divided into two groups.
- One group was fed a McCollum complete diet (whole wheat, casein, milk powder, NaCl, CaCO3, butter fat).
- The control group received bread, pasteurized milk, and a mixture of oatmeal, buckwheat, and dog biscuit.
Main Results:
- Mice on the complete diet demonstrated enhanced resistance to mouse typhoid infection.
- The complete diet group also showed increased tolerance to mercury bichloride intoxication.
- Resistance to botulinus toxin was significantly higher in mice fed the complete diet.
Conclusions:
- A nutritionally complete diet confers greater resistance to infectious agents and toxins in mice.
- Dietary composition plays a critical role in modulating the immune system and detoxification pathways.
- These findings underscore the importance of balanced nutrition for maintaining animal health and preventing disease.
