Ever wonder why some people are more likely to be preyed on by mosquitoes? A new study suggests that they can blame it on their genes.
Researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found evidence that humans have a genetic component that makes them attractive to mosquitoes. They initiated the study based on an earlier research suggesting that this blood-sucking insect is drawn to humans due to the body odor.
The study involved 18 identical twins and 19 non-identical female twins who were exposed to the Aedes aegypti, a mosquito known to spread dengue and other diseases. The researchers observed that the hands of the identical twins were both attractive to the mosquitoes, while the non-identical twins had varying results.
"By investigating the genetic mechanism behind attractiveness to biting insects such as mosquitoes we can move closer to using this knowledge for better ways of keeping us safe from bites and the diseases insects can spread through bites," Dr James Logan, study author and senior lecturer in Medical Entomology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said in a news release.
The researchers believe that their findings can be useful in the development of new measures that can help control the mosquito population and stop them from transmitting diseases. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2.5 billion people, or 40 percent, of the world's population live in areas with high risk of dengue transmission.
"If we understand the genetic basis for variation between individuals it could be possible to develop bespoke ways to control mosquitoes better, and develop new ways to repel them. In the future we may even be able to take a pill which will enhance the production of natural repellents by the body and ultimately replace skin lotions," Logan added.
The study was published in the April 22 issue of PLOS One.
