Mosquitoes might enjoy what is in people more than what is around them. A new study reveals that mosquitoes could be attracted to some people based on their DNA. The DNA in their body odor genes makes them a mosquito magnet.
Traditional myths are that clothes, food, and scent are the main factors that attract mosquitoes. However, DNA, which we cannot control, could be what causes the bugs to bite.
The findings were published in the journal PLOS One. They were based on a study that was conducted in England.
The research included 19 pairs of fraternal twins and 18 pairs of identical twins. The twins were all post-menopausal females aged 50 to 90 years old.
In terms of how attractive they were to mosquitoes, the identical twins' results were more similar to the non-identical twins' results.
The study's findings proved that genes have a major impact on how attracted the bugs were to a person. This factor was greater than other factors.
The scientists share that their results show that genes have a large effect on the human "odor profile," according to CBS Philadelphia. Mosquitoes use their sense of smell to detect the differences in genes.
James Logan was the lead researcher of the study. He says that the study's results suggest that the trait for being a mosquito magnet is "genetically" controlled, according to NPR.
The mosquito species used in the tests was Aedes aegypti. It transmits the dengue fever virus, the yellow fever virus, and other viruses.
Researchers share that further studies are required to discover which genes cause the attraction to mosquitoes. This could help in creating a method of controlling malaria and similar diseases. Until that happens, the bug spray industry is safe.