In mice, the antigen-specific serum antibody response following exposure to bites of Triatoma infestans nymphs and adults was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The second and the third exposure to T. infestans bites resulted in higher antibody levels than during the primary exposure. Antigen-specific antibody development was faster in mice exposed to bites of nymphs than in mice exposed to adults; however, a higher antibody level was found in mice bitten by adult bugs. Protein components of T. infestans saliva were characterised using electrophoretic and blotting techniques. The immunoblotting patterns were similar in mice exposed to insect bites of various developmental stages. Antigen-specific serum antibodies reacted only with high molecular mass components (two double bands of 100 and 120 kDa, and the 80 kDa antigen). The 80 kDa component was glycosylated. Affinity to lectin derived from Pisum sativum revealed the presence of a bi- or triantennary complex type of glycan. There were similar glycan structures in the main glycoprotein components of T. infestans saliva at 18-35 kDa; however, the components did not react with antibodies of mice exposed to insect bites.

Department of Parasitology Faculty of Science Charles University Prague Czech Republic

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