Aldolases of Ascaris Suum: an Immunologic and Biochemical Study

Abstract

Ascaris suum (Goeze, 1762), the large intestinal round worm, is a very common parasite of suine and was estimated to cost 50 million dol- lars a year to U.S. fara industry (52). Apart from economic considera- tions, Ascaris has other unique characteristics of profound biological interest. The migratory larval phases of the parasite mature in a rela- tively aerobic environment; otherwise, the entire adult phase of life cycle takes place in the almost anaerobic condition of the host intes- tine. The anaerobic, fermentive nature of this parasite is of great interest from the standpoint of comparative metabolism, "since metazoa of anaerobic character do not frequently occur in nature" (47).