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.