Evaluation of the Human IgG Antibody Response to Aedes albopictus Saliva as a New Specific Biomarker of Exposure to Vector Bites

Abstract

BackgroundThe spread of Aedes albopictus, a vector for re-emergent arbovirus diseases like chikungunya and dengue, points up the need for better control strategies and new tools to evaluate transmission risk. Human antibody (Ab) responses to mosquito salivary proteins could represent a reliable biomarker for evaluating human-vector contact and the efficacy of control programs.Methodology/Principal FindingsWe used ELISA tests to evaluate specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses to salivary gland extracts (SGE) in adults exposed to Aedes albopictus in Reunion Island. The percentage of immune responders (88%) and levels of anti-SGE IgG Abs were high in exposed individuals. At an individual level, our results indicate heterogeneity of the exposure to Aedes albopictus bites. In addition, low-level immune cross-reactivity between Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti SGEs was observed, mainly in the highest responders.Conclusion/SignificanceAb responses to saliva could be used as an immuno-epidemiological tool for evaluating exposure to Aedes albopictus bites. Combined with entomological and epidemiological methods, a “salivary” biomarker of exposure to Aedes albopictus could enhance surveillance of its spread and the risk of arbovirus transmission, and could be used as a direct tool for the evaluation of Aedes albopictus control strategies.

Human IgG Antibody Response to Aedes Nterm-34kDa Salivary Peptide, an Epidemiological Tool to Assess Vector Control in Chikungunya and Dengue Transmission Area

“…In the present study, a significant decrease of human IgG response to Nterm-34kDa peptide was observed just one week after VCI. As it has been clearly reported an association between the level of human IgG Ab response to salivary proteins and vector densities [15,17,18,40,41], we can hypothesize that the decrease of specific IgG response could be linked to the drop of Ae . albopictus density and by consequence, to a decrease of human exposure to Aedes mosquito bites.…”

“…aegypti and Ae . albopictus SGE [18]. This difference could be probably explained by the fact that the present study specifically targeted Ab response to only one antigen (antigenic peptide) instead of overall antigenic proteins contained in the SGE.…”

Long-Lasting Permethrin-Impregnated Clothing Protects Against Mosquito Bites in Outdoor Workers

“…21,22 There have been a number of studies validating the detection of anti-mosquito salivary proteins as biomarkers for mosquito bite exposure. 21,[24][25][26][27][28][29][30] Although the different studies have all used different methods to assess immune response to mosquito salivary proteins, all suggest that antibodies to mosquito salivary proteins are effective biomarkers for exposure.…”

Biomarkers of Vector Bites: Arthropod Immunogenic Salivary Proteins in Vector-Borne Diseases Control

“…albopictus saliva as shown in the Fig. 2 (Doucoure et al 2012a). Once it is established that the SB can discriminate exposure between exposed and unexposed individuals, it remains to be seen how this SB could meet the other criteria in order to be relevant when it comes to using it.…”

“…aegypti bites as highlighted in Fig. 4 ( Doucoure et al 2012a). Furthermore, an experimental investigation showed the specificity of the Ab response in mice repeatedly bitten by P. argentipes in comparison to the Ab developed against P. papatasi and P. arabicus salivary gland extracts (Drahota et al 2009).…”