The influence of dietary protein on the development of malaria.

In the course of malarial infection in an animal model, the dietary level of protein proved to be important. Synthetic diets were used, identical in every respect other than the type and amount of protein. Reducing the protein content of the diet led to a decrease in the level of infection and a protein-free diet almost totally suppressed the disease. These findings were obtained in rats infected with either Plasmodium berghei or Plasmodium vinckei; when the dietary protein was in the form of casein or albumin; and when well-nourished or previously undernourished animals were used. The study indicates that acute and chronic undernutrition may protect a host against severe malarial infection.