Infection with Diplococcus pneumoniae and Salmonella typhimurium in Monkeys: Changes in Plasma Lipids and Lipoproteins

Plasma lipids and lipoproteins were measured in a sequential fashion in rhesus monkeys after experimental infection with either Diplococcus pneumoniae or Salmonella typhimurium. Monkeys infected with the pneumococci generally had increased levels of triglycerides and pre-beta lipoproteins, and decreases in cholesterol and alpha-lipoproteins in plasma. Concentrations of free fatty acids and phospholipids were either increased or decreased according to the stage of the infection. Monkeys infected with salmonellae had increased levels of triglycerides, pre-beta-, and alpha-lipoproteins and decreased levels of phospholipids, cholesterol, and beta-lipoproteins in plasma. The free fatty-acid response, as in the pneumococcal infection, was variable. It is suggested that lipid metabolism varies with the nature of the invading microorganism as well as with the stage and duration of the infectious illness.