Human/vector relationships during human African trypanosomiasis: initial screening of immunogenic salivary proteins of Glossina species

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2007 Feb;76(2):327-33.

Abstract

The morbidity and mortality of vector-borne diseases is closely linked to exposure of the human host to vectors. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of individual exposure to arthropod bites by investigation of the specific immune response to vector saliva would make it possible to monitor individuals at risk of vectorial transmission of pathogens. The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the antibody (IgG) response to saliva from uninfected Glossina species, vectors, or non-vectors of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense by detecting immunogenic proteins in humans residing in an area endemic for human African trypanosomiasis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our results suggest that the immunogenic profiles observed seemed specific to the Glossina species (vector or non-vector species) and to the infectious status of exposed individuals (infected or not infected). This preliminary work tends to support the feasibility of development of an epidemiologic tool based on this antibody response to salivary proteins.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Insect Vectors / immunology*
  • Insect Vectors / parasitology
  • Male
  • Salivary Proteins and Peptides / immunology*
  • Trypanosoma brucei gambiense / immunology*
  • Trypanosomiasis, African / immunology*
  • Trypanosomiasis, African / parasitology
  • Tsetse Flies / immunology*
  • Tsetse Flies / parasitology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Salivary Proteins and Peptides