Forest plots comparing pre-exposure to vector saliva to control groups infected in the absence of saliva on leishmaniasis pathology (Category 3).

<p>Symbols represent the mean response ratio of the individual studies (squares) and of the entire analysis (diamond) using a Random Effects Model; the size of the square is proportional to the weight of an individual study. Error bars represent 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Squares to the right of the dotted line indicate larger measurements in the experimental (pre-exposed) group, while those on the left indicate larger measurements in the control group. Those that cross the center indicate no significant difference.</p

Forest plots of the relationship of vector saliva and infection level in naïve mice (Category 1).

<p>Symbols represent the mean response ratio of the individual studies (squares) and of the entire analysis (diamond) using a Random Effects Model; the size of the square is proportional to the weight of an individual study. Error bars represent 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Squares to the right of the dotted line indicate larger measurements in the experimental (saliva) group, while those on the left indicate larger measurements in the control group. Those that cross the center indicate no significant difference.</p

Forest plots of the relationship of vector saliva and IL-4 levels in naïve mice.

<p>Symbols represent the mean response ratio of the individual studies (squares) and of the entire analysis (diamond) using a Random Effects Model; the size of the square is proportional to the weight of an individual study. Error bars represent 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Squares to the right of the dotted line indicate larger measurements in the experimental (saliva) group, while those on the left indicate larger measurements in the control group. Those that cross the center indicate no significant difference.</p

Meta-analysis of the Effects of Insect Vector Saliva on Host Immune Responses and Infection of Vector-Transmitted Pathogens: A Focus on Leishmaniasis

<div><p>A meta-analysis of the effects of vector saliva on the immune response and progression of vector-transmitted disease, specifically with regard to pathology, infection level, and host cytokine levels was conducted. Infection in the absence or presence of saliva in naïve mice was compared. In addition, infection in mice pre-exposed to uninfected vector saliva was compared to infection in unexposed mice. To control for differences in vector and pathogen species, mouse strain, and experimental design, a random effects model was used to compare the ratio of the natural log of the experimental to the control means of the studies. Saliva was demonstrated to enhance pathology, infection level, and the production of Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) in naïve mice. This effect was observed across vector/pathogen pairings, whether natural or unnatural, and with single salivary proteins used as a proxy for whole saliva. Saliva pre-exposure was determined to result in less severe leishmaniasis pathology when compared with unexposed mice infected either in the presence or absence of sand fly saliva. The results of further analyses were not significant, but demonstrated trends toward protection and IFN-γ elevation for pre-exposed mice.</p></div

Forest plots of the relationship of exposure to vector saliva and <i>Leishmania</i> lesion size in naïve mice (Category 1).

<p>Symbols represent the mean response ratio of the individual studies (squares) and of the entire analysis (diamond) using a Random Effects Model; the size of the square is proportional to the weight of an individual study. Error bars represent 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Squares to the right of the dotted line indicate larger measurements in the experimental (saliva) group, while those on the left indicate larger measurements in the control group. Those that cross the center indicate no significant difference.</p

Forest plots of the relationship of exposure to vector saliva before infection and <i>Leishmania</i> lesion size (Category 2).

<p>Symbols represent the mean response ratio of the individual studies (squares) and of the entire analysis (diamond) using a Random Effects Model; the size of the square is proportional to the weight of an individual study. Error bars represent 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Squares to the right of the dotted line indicate larger measurements in the experimental (pre-exposed) group, while those on the left indicate larger measurements in the control group. Those that cross the center indicate no significant difference.</p

Forest plots of the relationship of vector saliva and IL-10 levels in naïve mice.

<p>Symbols represent the mean response ratio of the individual studies (squares) and of the entire analysis (diamond) using a Random Effects Model; the size of the square is proportional to the weight of an individual study. Error bars represent 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Squares to the right of the dotted line indicate larger measurements in the experimental (saliva) group, while those on the left indicate larger measurements in the control group. Those that cross the center indicate no significant difference.</p

Leishmaniasis: Road to Translation.

<p>Leishmaniasis: Road to Translation.</p

Countries Represented.

<p>Countries Represented.</p

Policy recommendations for the translation of laboratory discoveries into field applications for the control of leishmanisis.

<p>Policy recommendations for the translation of laboratory discoveries into field applications for the control of leishmanisis.</p