Mosquitoes are a common nuisance during outdoor activities, and some individuals seem to be more attractive to these blood-sucking insects than others. Several factors can influence an individual's attractiveness to mosquitoes, including blood type.
Blood type is determined by the presence or absence of certain antigens on the surface of red blood cells. There are four main blood types: A, B, AB, and O. According to research, people with blood type O are more attractive to mosquitoes than those with blood type A, B, or AB.
One study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that mosquitoes landed on people with blood type O twice as often as those with blood type A, and nearly three times as often as those with blood type B. Another study published in PLOS ONE found that people with blood type O had a higher mosquito landing rate than those with blood type A, and a lower landing rate than those with blood type B.
One possible explanation for this phenomenon is related to the chemicals present in human blood. Mosquitoes are attracted to certain chemicals, including carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and octenol, which are produced by the human body. It is believed that people with blood type O produce more of these chemicals, making them more attractive to mosquitoes.
In addition to blood type, other factors that can influence an individual's attractiveness to mosquitoes include:
Body odor: Mosquitoes are attracted to the chemical compounds present in sweat, including lactic acid and ammonia. Some people naturally produce more of these compounds than others, which can make them more attractive to mosquitoes.
Skin bacteria: Certain types of skin bacteria can also influence an individual's attractiveness to mosquitoes. For example, research has shown that people with a high abundance of the bacteria Staphylococcus epidermidis on their skin are less attractive to mosquitoes than those with a low abundance.
Genetics: Some research suggests that an individual's genetic makeup can also influence their attractiveness to mosquitoes. For example, a study published in PLOS ONE found that certain genetic variations are associated with higher levels of mosquito attraction.
While some factors that influence mosquito attraction, such as blood type, cannot be changed, there are measures that individuals can take to reduce their risk of mosquito bites. These include wearing protective clothing, using mosquito repellent, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity periods.
In conclusion, people with blood type O are more attractive to mosquitoes than those with other blood types. This is likely due to the presence of certain chemicals in human blood that mosquitoes find attractive. However, other factors, such as body odor, skin bacteria, and genetics, can also influence an individual's attractiveness to mosquitoes. By taking steps to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes, individuals can reduce their risk of mosquito bites and the potential transmission of mosquito-borne diseases.
Sources:
Chang, M. H., & Chiang, Y. C. (2019). Differential attractiveness of human subjects to mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) based on ABO blood type, odour, and colour. Journal of medical entomology, 56(2), 397-404.
Fernández-Grandon, G. M., Gezan, S. A., Armour, J. A. L., Pickett, J. A., & Logan, J. G. (2015). Heritability of attractiveness to mosquitoes. PloS one, 10(4), e0122716.
Verhulst, N. O., Qiu, Y. T., Beijleveld, H., Maliepaard, C., Knights, D., Schulz, S., ... & Takken, W. (2011). Composition of human skin microbiota affects attractiveness to malaria mosquitoes