Biomarkers for Exposure to Sand Flies Bites as Tools to Aid Control of Leishmaniasis

Bruno Bezerril Andrade,Clarissa R Teixeira

doi:10.3389/fimmu.2012.00121

Bruno Bezerril Andrade, Clarissa R Teixeira

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2012.00121

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Journal: Frontiers in Immunologie	Publication Date: Jan 1, 2012
Citations: 32	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: National Institutes of Health

Abstract

Intense research efforts so far have not been sufficient to reduce leishmaniasis burden worldwide. This disease is transmitted by bites of infected sand flies, which inject saliva in the host skin in an attempt to obtain a blood meal. Sand fly saliva has an array of proteins with diverse pharmacological properties that modulates the host homeostatic and immune responses. Some of these proteins are also immunogenic and can induce both cellular and humoral immune responses. Recently, the use of sand fly salivary proteins to estimate exposure to sand fly bites and consequently the risk of infection has emerged. Here, we review evidence that supports the use of the host immune responses against sand fly salivary proteins to estimate risk of infection. We also discuss how the use of recombinant salivary proteins can optimize serological surveys and provide guidance for the implementation of specific measures for disease control in endemic areas.

Highlights

Leishmaniasis is caused by infection with Leishmania parasites transmitted by bites of infected sand flies
Two major patterns of clinical and serological responses to sand fly saliva are identified in human volunteers repeatedly exposed to Lutzomyia longipalpis, the vector of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in South America (Vinhas et al, 2007)
The idea is that frequent exposure to sand fly bites leads to the production of neutralizing antibodies against salivary proteins and to activation of cellular mechanisms that may have an adverse effect on Leishmania establishment

Summary

Introduction

Leishmaniasis is caused by infection with Leishmania parasites transmitted by bites of infected sand flies. Several field studies in highly endemic areas for leishmaniasis indicate that natural exposure to non-infected sand fly bites can impact the epidemiology of this disease (Barral et al, 2000; Gomes et al, 2002; Rohousova et al, 2005; de Moura et al, 2007; Aquino et al, 2010; Marzouki et al, 2011; Vlkova et al, 2011).

Results

Conclusion