Blame your genes for 'mozzie magnetism'

A new study carried out on twins has revealed that the likelihood of being bitten by mosquitoes could be down to our genes.

Research from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found, for the first time, an underlying genetic component to how attractive people are to mosquitoes and this is likely to be caused by genetic control of body odour.

Although this was a pilot study, it provides exciting information which may allow us to understand more about how our intimate relationship with mosquitoes has evolved. Ultimately the finding could result in the development of better ways to control mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit.

A series of trials using 18 identical and 19 non-identical female twins showed that identical twin pairs were more similar in attractiveness to mosquitoes than non-identical twin pairs.

In the experiment, Aedes aegypti, dengue mosquitoes, were released into a Y-shaped tube which divides into two sections. They were allowed to fly down either side towards the odour from the study participants' hands to see which twin they were most attracted to.

Female mosquitoes display preferences for the smell of certain people when they choose who to bite to feed on the blood which they require to reproduce, e.g, pregnant women are more attractive to Anopheles gambiae than their non-pregnant counterparts, and people with a greater body mass also appear to be more attractive to mosquitoes and midges. Diet is often suggested as an explanation, with anecdotes about eating garlic or drinking beer to keep mosquitoes away, but there is no clear and consistent dietary explanation.

Senior author James Logan said that if they 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 they may even be able to take a pill which will enhance the production of natural repellents by the body and ultimately replace skin lotions.

The findings are published in PLOS ONE.