The detoxification of xenobiotic compounds by Onchocerca gutturosa (Nematoda: Filarioidea)

In common with other helminths O. gutturosa appears to lack cytochrome P450 linked phase 1 enzymes and so its ability to metabolize aromatic nuclei may be severely restricted. The parasite could reduce azo- but not nitro-compounds and low levels of epoxide hydrolase activity were also detected. Glutathione S-transferase was the only phase 2 enzyme which could be demonstrated in O. gutturosa. High levels of glyoxalase I and in particular glyoxalase II were found in the parasite, suggesting an important role for these enzymes in detoxification.