Effect of anthelmintics on the enzyme activities of Setaria cervi (Nematoda: Filarioidea)

The present study deals with the comparative efficacy of Hetrazan, levamisole and tetramisole on the enzyme activities of adult Setaria cervi worms. The drugs were administered orally to white rats, intraperitoneally infected with the bovine filariid, Setaria cervi. Biochemical assays revealed the decreased activities of glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-diphosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphatase in the drug-treated worms. Hetrazan was relatively more effective than tetramisole and levamisole. A possible role of these enzymes in the energy supply and survival of the worm has been briefly discussed.