Fatty acid composition of adult<i>Schistosoma mansoni</i>

Abstract

Abstract The fatty acid composition of triglyceride and total phospholipid fractions of adult Schistosoma mansoni has been examined. Both triglyceride and phospholipid contained fatty acids varying in chain length from 12 through 24 carbons; trace amounts of shorter chain components were found in the triglyceride fraction. A docosahexaenoic acid in the triglyceride fraction represented the highest degree of unsaturation encountered. Branched chain fatty acids of 16 and 18 carbons were found in both phospholipid and triglyceride. Examination of fatty acids from fluke total lipid revealed the presence of small amounts of odd numbered carbon fatty acids varying in chain length from 13 through 23 carbons.