Human antibody response to Anopheles gambiae saliva: an immuno-epidemiological biomarker to evaluate the efficacy of insecticide-treated nets in malaria vector control

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2010 Jul;83(1):115-21. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.2010.09-0684.

Abstract

For the fight against malaria, the World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the need for indicators to evaluate the efficacy of vector-control strategies. This study investigates a potential immunological marker, based on human antibody responses to Anopheles saliva, as a new indicator to evaluate the efficacy of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). Parasitological, entomological, and immunological assessments were carried out in children and adults from a malaria-endemic region of Angola before and after the introduction of ITNs. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels to An. gambiae saliva were positively associated with the intensity of An. gambiae exposure and malaria infection. A significant decrease in the anti-saliva IgG response was observed after the introduction of ITNs, and this was associated with a drop in parasite load. This study represents the first stage in the development of a new indicator to evaluate the efficacy of malaria vector-control strategies, which could apply in other arthropod vector-borne diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Angola
  • Animals
  • Anopheles / drug effects
  • Antibodies / immunology
  • Antigens, Protozoan / immunology*
  • Biomarkers / analysis*
  • Bites and Stings
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Tests
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Insect Vectors / drug effects*
  • Insecticide-Treated Bednets
  • Insecticides / pharmacology*
  • Malaria / prevention & control
  • Malaria, Falciparum / prevention & control*
  • Mosquito Control*
  • Saliva / immunology
  • Species Specificity

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Antigens, Protozoan
  • Biomarkers
  • Insecticides