First attempt to validate the gSG6-P1 salivary peptide as an immuno-epidemiological tool for evaluating human exposure to Anopheles funestus bites

Abstract

Summary Objective The development of a biomarker of exposure based on the evaluation of the human antibody response specific to Anopheles salivary proteins seems promising in improving malaria control. The IgG response specific to the gSG6‐P1 peptide has already been validated as a biomarker of An. gambiae exposure. This study represents a first attempt to validate the gSG6‐P1 peptide as an epidemiological tool evaluating exposure to An. funestus bites, the second main malaria vector in sub‐Saharan Africa. Methods A multi‐disciplinary survey was performed in a Senegalese village where An. funestus represents the principal anopheline species. The IgG antibody level specific to gSG6‐P1 was evaluated and compared in the same children before, at the peak and after the rainy season. Results Two‐thirds of the children developed a specific IgG response to gSG6‐P1 during the study period and – more interestingly – before the rainy season, when An. funestus was the only anopheline species reported. The specific IgG response increased during the An. funestus exposure season, and a positive association between the IgG level and the level of exposure to An. funestus bites was observed. Conclusions The results suggest that the evaluation of the IgG response specific to gSG6‐P1 in children could also represent a biomarker of exposure to An. funestus bites. The availability of such a biomarker evaluating the exposure to both main Plasmodium falciparum vectors in Africa could be particularly relevant as a direct criterion for the evaluation of the efficacy of vector 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

“…gambiae and An . funestus bites [17,24–27], and has been used to evaluate the efficacy of insecticide treated nets against malaria transmission [28]. In regard to Aedes species, the 34kDa salivary protein appears to be antigenic and specific to Aedes genus [29–31].…”

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

“…20 Previous studies have shown that antibodies against vector salivary proteins can serve as markers for disease risk [21][22][23] and can be used to evaluate the efficacy of vector control efforts. 24,25 Our previous studies have shown increased antibody titers to salivary proteins in subjects with malaria or dengue, compared with subjects living in the same region but with no sign of infection. 21,22 There have been a number of studies validating the detection of anti-mosquito salivary proteins as biomarkers for mosquito bite exposure.…”

“…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

“…gambiae and An. funestus in children living in malaria transmission area (Poinsignon et al 2008(Poinsignon et al , 2010. Further studies should investigate its potential to detect the exposure to An.…”