ABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Dog Diseases/epidemiology , Insect Bites and Stings/epidemiology , Insect Proteins/analysis , Phlebotomus/physiology , Salivary Proteins and Peptides/analysis , Animals , Antigens/analysis , Dog Diseases/etiology , Dogs , Insect Bites and Stings/etiology , Insect Vectors/parasitology , Insect Vectors/physiology , Italy/epidemiology , Leishmania infantum/physiology , Leishmaniasis/parasitology , Leishmaniasis/veterinary , Phlebotomus/parasitology , Portugal/epidemiology , Recombinant Proteins/analysisSubject(s)
Amniotic Fluid/analysis , Neural Tube Defects/diagnosis , Prenatal Diagnosis , Ultrasonography , Acetylcholinesterase/metabolism , Adult , False Positive Reactions , Female , Humans , Isoenzymes/metabolism , Pregnancy , Prenatal Diagnosis/methods , Turner Syndrome/diagnosis , alpha-Fetoproteins/analysisSubject(s)
Osteomalacia/etiology , Vitamin D Deficiency/complications , Aged , Asia/ethnology , Calcium/metabolism , Child , Dihydroxycholecalciferols/metabolism , Female , Flour , Food, Fortified , Humans , Models, Biological , Osteomalacia/drug therapy , Protein Binding , Sunlight , United Kingdom , Vitamin D/metabolism , Vitamin D/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Plasma calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, and albumin were measured during pregnancy in a group of Asian women living in the south of England and in a control group. The Asian women had slightly lower mean plasma calcium concentrations than the control group. Exposure of Asian women to sunshine appeared to be low, and it was inferred that they probably had little endogenous synthesis of cholecalciferol as a result. Both Asian and control subjects ingested similarly low amounts of vitamin D. The Asian women consumed greater amounts of phytate and vegetable fibres than the controls, and it is suggested that these substances may reduce absorption of insoluble lipids (including cholecalciferol) and calcium in a setting where the dietary intake and endogenous synthesis of vitamin D are already borderline for the subject's requirements.
