Emergence of a Kwashiorkor-Like Syndrome Associated with Protein-Calorie Malnutrition in the Developing Rhesus Monkey ( Macaca Mulatta )

Abstract

An infant rhesus monkey was separated from its mother at 90 days of age, housed individually, and at 120 days of age placed on a purified low protein diet containing 3.5% casein by weight. To enhance the effects of protein-calorie malnutrition, a protein-deficient diet containing 2.0% casein by weight was introduced at 415 days of age. When compared with other animals on an identical dietary regime, the subject manifested a reduced intake of food and a marked decrease in weight gain. Clinical symptomatology analogous to human kwashiorkor progressively developed into an acute phase as a result of protein deficiency and included: brittle, depigmented, and sparse hair; chronic diarrhea; dermatitis as “flaky-paint rash” on the extremities and “moist groin rash;” edema of the face and extremities; hypoalbuminemia; hypoproteinemia; retardation of growth and physical development; and wasting of muscle tissue. Within 172 days following the dietary shift from 3.5% to 2.0% casein, a terminal state was evidenced.