A New Mechanism of Defence Against Bacteria Through the Use of Certain Foods

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Standard basal diets, with variations in the carbohydrate components, were fed from the standpoint of calories, protein, inorganic salts, and vitamins. The diet promoted growth, produced good pelts, and the behavior of the animals was normal as far as could be determined. When banana powder is used as carbohydrate source in the basal diet instead of cornstarch, rats have the power of physiologically adapting themselves to B. enteritidis administered by mouth. The intra-enteric and organ distribution of B. enteritidis is the same in both banana- and corn-starch-fed series. No resistance is enjoyed by the banana-fed rats 3 to 6 weeks after B. enteritidis injection, although one-third to one-fourth of these animals are liver and spleen carriers of B. enteritidis.