To optimize
malaria control, WHO has prioritised the need for new indicators to evaluate the efficacy of
malaria vector control strategies. The gSG6-P1
peptide from gSG6
protein of Anopheles gambiae salivary glands was previously designed as a specific salivary sequence of
malaria vector species. It was shown that the quantification of human antibody (Ab) responses to Anopheles
salivary proteins in general and especially to the gSG6-P1
peptide was a pertinent
biomarker of human exposure to Anopheles. The present objective was to validate this
indicator in the evaluation of the efficacy of
Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs). A longitudinal evaluation, including parasitological, entomological and immunological assessments, was conducted on children and adults from a
malaria-endemic area before and after the introduction of ITNs. Significant decrease of anti-gSG6-P1
IgG response was observed just after the efficient ITNs use. Interestingly, specific
IgG Ab level was especially pertinent to evaluate a short-time period of ITNs efficacy and at individual level. However, specific
IgG rose back up within four months as correct ITN use waned.
IgG responses to one
salivary peptide could constitute a reliable
biomarker for the evaluation of ITN efficacy, at short- and long-term use, and provide a valuable tool in
malaria vector control based on a real measurement of human-vector contact.