Quinone mediated ATP production in the filarial parasite Setaria digitata.

The cattle filarial parasite Setaria digitata, a facultative anaerobe which is reported to be cyanide insensitive, lacks cytochromes and presents many unique characters. Experiments showed the occurrence of two lower quinones Q6 and Q8 and its rapid synthesis is revealed by a [14C] acetate incorporation study. A schematic quinone mediated hydrogen peroxide production with the generation of ATP through oxidation of substrates has been proposed. Search for specific blockers at the level of quinone might prove to be an effective measure for the control of filarial parasites and thereby filariasis.