Volatile fatty acids of Ascaris lumbricoides from the pig

Abstract

The steam-volatile fatty acids of the perienteric fluid of A. lumbricoides were analysed by chromatographic methods. Acetic, propionic and n-butyric acids were identified by their chromatographic behavior and by the piperazinium salt of n-butyric acid. Small quantities of formic acid also appear to be present. Infrared spectroscopy showed that the C5 fraction consists, almost in its entirety, of the optically active methylethylacetic acid (2-methylbutanoic acid). There is a slight preponderance of the l-isomer. The C6 fraction has not so far been identified. It is concluded that these acids are products of the undoubtedly peculiar metabolism of A. lumbricoides and are not formed by microbial activity. Their origin, function and mode of formation are unknown.