Could Genes Impact How Attractive You Are to Mosquitoes?
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k4d/iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Researchers say your genes may play a role in determining how likely you are to be bitten by mosquitoes.
A study, published in the journal PLoS One, notes that there is some evidence that pregnancy, larger body mass, alcohol intake and increased carbon dioxide production may attract mosquitoes. It evaluated 37 sets of twins and found that an individual’s genetically-programmed scent, unique only to them, is another factor in attracting mosquitoes.
Researchers placed mosquitoes in a tube that allowed them to go to either the right or the left. A different scent was blown into each side of the tube — either one of the twins or clean air.
The study found that in identical twins, the mosquitoes were equally attracted to each twin, while mosquitoes had a preference among fraternal twins.
The study did not determine whether a particular molecule involved in creating an individual’s scent caused the mosquitoes to be particularly attracted to one twin over another. Further studies may be able to target the molecule or molecules involved.
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