Surface of the filarial parasite Setaria digitata and the structural changes on treatment with Triton X-100

Setaria digitata, a bovine filarial parasite is used as a laboratory model for filariasis. The studies showed that considerable amount of biochemically and immunologically active materials are present on the surface of the parasite. The effect of Triton X-100 on the surface of the parasite, when it is used to separate the surface associated materials, is not known. Treatment with Triton X-100 enhances the amount of ES protein released into the medium. The electron microscopic study of S. digitata wall showed that structure of the surface is similar to that of W. bancrofti. There are striations, annulations and button like bosses on the filarial surface. On treatment with Triton X-100 the electron dense cloudy layer on the surface was disappeared. The surface appeared to be suitable for hosting secreted molecules on the surface.