Biochemical composition of microfiliarial and adult stages of Setaria cervi.

The microfilariae and adults of Setaria cervi, a filarial parasite of Indian water-buffalo (Bubalus bubalis Linn.) and of other ruminants were analysed for various biochemical constituents. Both stages of the parasite were rich in protein, carbohydrate, and lipids while nucleic acids were detectable in only small amounts. Microfilariae and adults contained 10 and 25% dry matter, 57.4 and 63.0% protein, 8.9 and 14.8% carbohydrate, and 12.8 and 9.2% lipid, respectively. Reducing sugars accounted for 52 and 67% respectively of the total carbohydrate in these two stages. Glycogen accounted for 95% of total carbohydrate in the cold PCA soluble fraction of adult worms while its concentration in microfilariae was very low. Glucose was the main constituent of reducing sugars while concentrations of fructose were very low. Microfilariae contained more lipids, nucleic acids, mucopolysaccharides, and total phosphorus than adults. The phospholipid percentage was higher in microfilariae than in adults. The amino acid pattern of both stages was very similar.