Identification of Naegleria fowleri antigens recognized by serum antibodies from people of Mexicali Valley, México

Abstract Naegleria fowleri is an amoeba that causes a fatal disease in the central nervous system known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) in humans. Most of the infections are acquired by people who practice recreational activities in water contaminated with trophozoites. Swimming and wading in irrigation channels of Mexicali are common practices for local people. Although there are some warning signposts in the surrounding sites, people continue using these channels for recreational purposes. In that region, cases of PAM have been reported; however, not everyone who comes into contact with contaminated water containing trophozoites becomes infected, and the factors influencing their immune response to N. fowleri remain unknown. We analyzed the levels of antibodies against N. fowleri in two groups: local individuals, including visitors who swam in the Mexicali channels, and a group from Mexico City (CDMX). In both groups, specific antibody responses were analyzed using immunoassays, including Western blot, ELISA, and cytochemistry. The highest levels of both IgG and IgA were found in samples from Mexicali, compared to those from CDMX. In both groups, IgG recognized polypeptide bands from N. fowleri at molecular weights of 100, 50, and 19 kDa, bands that we have already reported as immunogenic. Moreover, the IgG subjects recognized trophozoite structures such as membrane, pseudopodia, food cups, and even small like-vesicles. This antibody immune response directed against these polypeptide bands and trophozoite structures along with other factors could be participating in the defense of these people against PAM.