The frequency of sandfly-host contacts can be measured by host antibody levels against sandfly salivary proteins. Recombinant salivary proteins are suggested to represent a valid replacement for salivary gland homogenate (SGH); however, it is necessary to prove that such antigens are recognized by antibodies against various populations of the same species. Phlebotomus perniciosus (Diptera: Psychodidae) is the main vector of Leishmania infantum (Trypanosomatida: Trypanosomatidae) in southwest Europe and is widespread from Portugal to Italy. In this study, sera were sampled from naturally exposed dogs from distant regions, including Campania (southern Italy), Umbria (central Italy) and the metropolitan Lisbon region (Portugal), where P. perniciosus is the unique or principal vector species. Sera were screened for anti-P. perniciosus antibodies using SGH and 43-kDa yellow-related recombinant protein (rSP03B). A robust correlation between antibodies recognizing SGH and rSP03B was detected in all regions, suggesting substantial antigenic cross-reactivity among different P. perniciosus populations. No significant differences in this relationship were detected between regions. Moreover, rSP03B and the native yellow-related protein were shown to share similar antigenic epitopes, as canine immunoglobulin G (IgG) binding to the native protein was inhibited by pre-incubation with the recombinant form. These findings suggest that rSP03B should be regarded as a universal marker of sandfly exposure throughout the geographical distribution of P. perniciosus.

• MeSH
• antigeny analýza   MeSH
• hmyz - vektory parazitologie   fyziologie   MeSH
• hmyzí proteiny analýza   MeSH
• kousnutí a bodnutí hmyzem epidemiologie   etiologie   MeSH
• Leishmania infantum fyziologie   MeSH
• leishmanióza parazitologie   veterinární   MeSH
• nemoci psů epidemiologie   etiologie   MeSH
• Phlebotomus parazitologie   fyziologie   MeSH
• psi MeSH
• rekombinantní proteiny analýza   MeSH
• slinné proteiny a peptidy analýza   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• psi MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Itálie epidemiologie   MeSH
• Portugalsko epidemiologie   MeSH