Why Do Mosquitoes Take Revenge on Humans?
WouterSeveral mosquito species are known to feed on human blood, thereby transmitting diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and West Nile virus. Some prefer to bite animals, while others are not interested in humans.
Researchers are trying to understand why mosquitoes are so attracted to humans. One theory is that they react to negative pain stimuli, such as a stung insect. They are also attracted to odorous chemicals such as ammonia, acetone, and lactic acid. These chemicals are found in many foods.
Other scientists are studying the memory of mosquitoes. Female mosquitoes are known to have a recollection of their blood meal. They need blood protein to nourish their eggs. They spend most of their memory on survival and reproduction. They also detect a plume of CO2 on the breath of mammals.
Another study shows that the blood type of the mosquito has an effect on its attraction. In a 1980 study, researchers examined 736 patients with different types of blood. They found that people with type A blood had a much higher incidence of malaria than those with type B or O blood. In a 1972 study, people with type O blood were found to be preferred by mosquitoes.
A 2004 study compared the attracting qualities of two blood types of Aedes albopictus. The AB secretors were favored, while the O nonsecretors were favored. The results showed a pattern similar to that of the 1972 study. The O secretors were found to be 33% of the control group.
