Researchers shed light on why some individuals are more prone to mosquito bites than others
In the summertime, the presence of bloodsucking mosquitoes becomes an unwelcome reality. However, the question of why certain people are more attractive to mosquitoes than others has long puzzled scientists. Two recent studies have provided valuable insights into this phenomenon, highlighting the potential influence of soap choices and breathing patterns.
In a study published on May 10 in the scientific journal iScience, a group of researchers discovered that certain soaps can enhance a person’s attractiveness to mosquitoes, while others can reduce it. The study revealed that soaps have the ability to significantly alter the olfactory signature or scent of human hosts. Popular brands such as Dove and Dial were found to contain a class of chemicals related to mosquito attractiveness and various plant compounds. In contrast, so-called “natural” products like Simple Truth and Native soaps generally contained fewer detectable plant-derived chemicals that mosquitoes find appealing. Furthermore, the compounds present in “natural” soaps were found to repel the insects.
Manisha Kulkarni, an associate professor of epidemiology and public health at the University of Ottawa, who was not involved in the study, emphasized that the degree to which specific products alter an individual’s attractiveness to mosquitoes can vary. This is because an individual’s natural odor also plays a significant role, and there is an intricate interaction between the personal chemical compounds of the individual and those present in the soap used.
Another study, published in May in the journal Current Biology, suggests that carbon dioxide (CO2) also contributes to human attractiveness for mosquitoes. The research focused on the African mosquito species Anopheles gambiae, which is responsible for spreading malaria. The study found that carbon dioxide, combined with body heat and other human odors, plays a crucial role in attracting these mosquitoes. Factors such as activity level, breathing rate, and body size influence the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by an individual. For instance, small children produce less carbon dioxide compared to larger adults.
These findings could have significant implications for disease control, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where malaria is prevalent. Kulkarni highlighted the importance of this study, stating that current malaria control strategies heavily rely on insecticide-treated bed nets. However, the emergence of insecticide resistance among mosquitoes raises concerns about the effectiveness of these tools. Developing new repellents based on the chemical technology identified in this study could provide an additional tool for malaria control efforts.
Understanding the factors that make certain individuals more attractive to mosquitoes than others is a crucial step toward improving mosquito bite prevention and reducing the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. Further research in this area could lead to the development of more effective strategies to protect vulnerable populations from the harmful effects of mosquito bites.