Responses of the protein-deficient rabbit to staphylococcal bacteremia.

Staphylococcal bacteremia was induced in two groups of rabbits that were pairfed high protein and protein deficient diets. Marked deviations in response were observed as a result of protein deficiency: a) blood clearance of S aureus was delayed; b) persistence and multiplication of bacteria in blood and tissues were pronounced; c) neutrophilic response was poor and transitory; d) mortality was very high and occurred very early and e) focal necrotizing lesions, rather than well-formed abscesses, were found in organs.