To demonstrate the dynamics of specific antibody isotypes against Entamoeba histolytica Gal/GalNAc adhesin and its correlation, if any, with the development of immunity, we evaluated subjects suffering from a spectrum of amoebic infections ranging from amoebic liver abscess (ALA) to asymptomatic cyst passers. The quantitative analysis of antibody levels was done in the sera by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Gal/GalNAc adhesin-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) was higher in ALA (and their follow-ups) and intestinal amoebiasis cases as compared with asymptomatic cyst passers (P < 0.05). Among the isotypes of IgG, high levels of IgG1 (60% of the total IgG concentration), suggestive of T-helper 2-type response, was associated with ALA cases. Intestinal amoebiasis cases and cyst passers had high percentage of IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies as compared with per cent IgG2 and IgG3 (of the total IgG), whereas follow-up cases of ALA had predominantly IgG2 and IgG3 isotypes of antibodies. Gal/GalNAc lectin-specific IgM antibodies were maximum in cases of intestinal amoebiasis. ALA cases and their follow-ups had significantly lower levels of Gal/GalNAc-specific IgM levels as compared with cyst passers (P < 0.05). Gal/GalNAc adhesin-specific IgA antibodies were raised maximally in intestinal amoebic infection cases. ALA cases and their 3-month follow-ups had significantly higher concentrations of lectin-specific IgA (P < 0.05) as compared with the healthy subjects.

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We evaluated the colorimetric polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method for the detection and differentiation of Entamoeba spp. and compared the efficacy of E. histolytica-specific antigen detection in faeces with the detection of specific antibodies to E. histolytica-specific antigen in faeces, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Faecal samples were obtained from patients attending hospital in Chandigarh, India, from March 2001 to February 2002. The PCR-based colorimetric method was found to be the most sensitive (100%) and it could differentiate between pathogenic and non-pathogenic Entamoeba spp. The present study also emphasized that the antigen detection system may prove to be a better diagnostic tool than the antibody detection system in endemic areas.

Vector control is an imperative method for the control of vector borne diseases. Over the last few decades, many methods have been developed for their control and the main goal of these strategies is to reduce the number of mosquito populations to overcome the epidemic situations. Though despite continuous efforts of the present interventions being deployed in the vector control programs we are unable to control the disease transmission and outbreaks. Therefore, it highlights the importance of exploring the challenges which are hindering the success of these strategies and also alternative solutions for the same so as to boost the vector control interventions.