Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 3, 2026

Forced Salivation As a Method to Analyze Vector Competence of Mosquitoes
Published on: August 7, 2018
Passive transfer of cutaneous mosquito-bite hypersensitivity by IgE anti-saliva antibodies
T Reunala1, H Brummer-Korvenkontio, L Räsänen
1Department of Dermatology, Helsinki University Hospital, Finland.
Background:
Mosquito bites frequently cause cutaneous wheal and flare reactions, and recent immunoblotting studies have shown specific anti-saliva IgE antibodies in many persons who have such reactions.
Objective:
The study was designed to show that human serum containing mosquito saliva-specific IgE antibodies can produce histamine release in vitro and whealing in vivo.
Methods:
Two mosquito bite-tolerant subjects had bite challenges and Prausnitz-Küstner tests with heated and unheated serum from one patient with Aedes mosquito allergy. Immunoblotting and basophil histamine release tests were performed with the patient's and subjects' sera.
Results:
Both mosquito bite-tolerant subjects had positive Prausnitz-Küstner reactions, which indicated a successful transfer of cutaneous mosquito hypersensitivity. The ordinary and passive basophil histamine release tests also produced positive results with Aedes communis antigens.
Conclusion:
The results of the Prausnitz-Küstner test, immunoblotting, and basophil histamine release tests are consistent with the hypothesis that mosquito bite whealing is mediated by specific anti-saliva IgE antibodies.
Related Concept Videos
Allergic Reactions
Active versus Passive Immunity
Active Immunity
Active immunity refers to the resistance one develops...
Hypersensitivities
Types of Hypersensitivities
Hypersensitivity reactions are categorized into four types: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4. Each type has a distinct mechanism...
Allergic Reactions: Anaphylaxis
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Delayed Hypersensitivity Reactions
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions

