Why Does Mosquitoes Need Blood?
WouterThousands of mosquitoes infect hundreds of thousands of people each year. They carry West Nile, malaria, and dengue viruses, among other diseases. They cause about 725,000 deaths each year.
Mosquitoes have a sophisticated feeding system that involves six thin needlelike mouthparts. They are attracted to certain bacteria and a chemical released by humans. They also taste blood.
Mosquitoes are found worldwide. They are a primary vector for dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika viruses. They also spread yellow fever, malaria, and other diseases. Their bite is the most dangerous to humans, killing hundreds of thousands each year.
Female mosquitoes need blood for egg development. They cannot reproduce without it. They collect about three milligrams of blood from each bite. These blood proteins help the eggs to develop. But they do not possess the protein necessary to create a yolk. They rely on a protein called H antigen. H antigen is a precursor to A and B antigen.
Mosquitoes have many different receptors to detect nutrients and chemicals in water and the air. They also have many blood vessels. They have more than 150 receptors in their bodies.
Female mosquitoes do not bite humans. They feed on plant sap and nectar. They also leave behind a virus and parasites. They can carry West Nile and dengue, two diseases that kill hundreds of thousands of people each year.
Mosquitoes use a complex system to find a human host. They are able to detect blood through the human skin and through certain bacteria that are found on the skin. They are also attracted to uric acid and ammonia found in sweat.
