Why Do Mosquitoes Like Type O Blood?
Several studies have proven that mosquitoes prefer Type O blood over others. However, there is still more research that needs to be done to understand the exact reasons why mosquitoes like certain blood types. Some factors that contribute to the attraction of mosquitoes include genetics, body temperature, chemicals released from the skin, and carbon dioxide emissions.
A small scale study published in 2004 found that people with type O blood are more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes. In fact, mosquitoes will land on people with type O blood twice as often as those with type A blood.
The American Mosquito Control Association notes that there are more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes. Some of these species are known to transmit illnesses, including malaria. In addition, they bite humans, which can cause itchy welts and red welts, depending on the person’s blood type.
In addition to blood type, mosquitoes may also be attracted by compounds on the skin, such as lactic acid, which are produced when a person breathes. Other factors that contribute to the attraction of mosquitoes are body heat, body odor, and clothing.
The AB blood type produces different blood-type markers than those produced by the B blood type. This can lead to a higher incidence of malaria than other blood types. In addition, females who are fed on AB blood groups have a high mortality rate.
According to Dr. Jonathan Day, a medical entomologist at the University of Florida, mosquitoes are attracted to certain chemical compounds on the skin, such as lactic acids, and will be more likely to bite an individual who has these compounds.