Interrelated changes in host metabolism during generalized infectious illness

Abstract

The metabolic effects of acute infectious illness in man involve virtually every biochemical pathway studied. For a number of years investigators in our Institute have worked systematically to define and provide a mechanistic explanation for the changes in host metabolism that accompany infection. Many such metabolic changes occur during only certain stages of a generalized infectious process. Some begin during the incubation period, others during the febrile period, and still others during convalescence. Some changes exhibit biphasic patterns in the course of their progression. For these reasons, serial measurements must be obtained throughout the course of an infection in order to understand the sequential process. Our initial studies in man (1-6) employed metabolic balance methods and were designed to describe infection-related changes in protein, electrolyte, and mineral metabolism as well as changes in endocrine functions. Tularemia, 0 fever, and sandfly fever were included in these studies as was an evaluation, in ancillary investigations, of the role of single pertinent variables such as fever, impaired dietary intake, increased secretion of adrenal glucocorticoid hormones, specific immunity, and antibiotic therapy.