Crithidia fasciculata: a catalase-containing trypanosomatid sensitive to nitroheterocyclic drugs.

Crithidia fasciculata, which contains high levels of a cytosolic catalase, is sensitive to inhibition by at least two nitroheterocyclic drugs, Nifurtimox and MK 436, both of which are also active against Trypanosoma cruzi. Drug sensitivity is not enhanced in organisms containing reduced levels of catalase. The ultrastructural lesions in T. cruzi produced by nitroheterocycles, especially the swelling and gross vacuolation of the mitochondria, are seen also in C. fasciculata. These results are not consistent with the hypothesis that the action of drugs such as Nifurtimox on T. cruzi involve hydrogen peroxide accumulation as a result of the absence of catalase.