“Female mosquitoes display preferences for certain individuals over others, which is determined by differences in volatile chemicals produced by the human body and detected by mosquitoes,” researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine write.
“Body odour can be controlled genetically but the existence of a genetic basis for differential attraction to insects has never been formally demonstrated.”
Their study investigated heritability of attractiveness to mosquitoes by evaluating the response of Aedes aegypti – the mosquito that can spread dengue fever, chikungunya, yellow fever viruses, and other diseases – to odours from the hands of identical and non-identical twins.
“Volatiles from individuals in an identical twin pair showed a high correlation in attractiveness to mosquitoes, while non-identical twin pairs showed a significantly lower correlation,” the study says.
The scientists are still not entirely sure how this works, and say further research is needed to understand the specific genetic mechanisms that might be at play.
“In the future, we may even be able to take a pill which will enhance the production of natural repellents by the body and ultimately replace skin lotions,” study author James Logan, a medical entomologist, said.
Originally published by Cosmos as Why mosquitoes bite some and not others?
Bill Condie
Bill Condie is a science journalist based in Adelaide, Australia.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.
