Some experimental approaches to the study of nutrition and parasitic infection

Two experimental models to examine the relationship between host nutrition and parasitic infection are considered. Moniliformis dubius, an acanthocephalan parasite of the laboratory rat, is dependent on the type and amount of host dietary carbohydrate for growth and reproduction. Starch, glucose, fructose, and mannose in host diets support parasite growth and development, but much lower dietary amounts of starch, fructose, and mannose are needed compared to free glucose. The pig-Ascaris suum relationship is considered as a model for human ascariasis. Experimental Ascaris infections in pigs resulted in reduced growth, reduced food intake, lowered biological value of dietary protein, and reduced intestinal lactase activity and lactose tolerance. These results are similar in some respects to reported effects of Ascaris infection in humans.