A pleasant summer evening can be totally ruined by mosquito bites. Besides the momentary discomfort, these insects can also transmit diseases. Have you ever wondered why some people escape a mosquito attack unscathed, while others are downright “stung”? Scientists have found possible explanations.
There are more than 3,500 species of mosquitoes, but only a few of them bite humans, and only the females of these species, as they need blood as a source of protein for their eggs.
In addition to swelling, temporary itching or allergies, in some areas of the world, certain species can transmit serious diseases, such as malaria, yellow fever or dengue, to name just a few.
Dr. Jagdish Khubchandani, professor of public health at the University of New Mexico, told the Medical News Today: “The reason why mosquitoes are attracted to humans has been discussed in several studies, which have discussed body odor, skin color and texture, body temperature, microbes living on the surface of the skin, carbon dioxide exhaled by humans, alcohol consumption and type of diet. In general, studies suggest that pregnant women, people with a higher body temperature and who sweat a lot, the presence of various microbes on the skin, and people with darker skin may be more prone to being bitten by mosquitoes.”
As a result of cellular respiration, humans and especially all animals release carbon dioxide, heat and moisture. These things initially attract mosquitoes. Some research suggests that the higher the CO2 output, the greater the attraction. “Individuals with greater body mass appear to be more attractive to mosquitoes.”
Several studies have identified lactic acid as another chemical that mosquitoes are attracted to. As early as 1968, a study found that lactic acid attracted female mosquitoes that transmit yellow fever. Another called it a human mosquito repellent. We produce lactic acid when we exercise, so the best advice is to wash with soap immediately after your workout. Then dry yourself well.
The skin’s microbiome contains millions of bacteria that are vital to maintaining health. The microbiome of the skin is influenced by genes, age, the immune system, but also by the products used for cleaning and moisturizing, so if you want to protect yourself from mosquitoes, do not use antimicrobial soaps, because individuals with a higher microbial diversity of the skin are less attractive to insects.
More than one study has investigated whether blood type has any effect on the likelihood of being bitten. That’s good news for those with blood type A – mosquitoes seem to find this type less attractive – but not so good for blood type 0 (zero).
There is, however, some compensation for those with blood type 0. If the mosquito that bites you carries the malaria parasite, people with type zero have a much lower risk of severe malaria than those with other blood types.
2023-07-04 08:38:00
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