Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 3: If you've ever wondered why mosquitoes seem to chase you more than others despite all the creams and coils, science may finally have an answer — and it’s hiding in your blood. Recent research suggests that your blood type, especially Type O, could be playing a major role in attracting these tiny tormentors.

With rising temperatures and mosquito populations booming in coastal regions, experts are now shedding light on why some people are simply more prone to bites than others — and it's not just bad luck.

According to researchers, mosquitoes appear to show a clear preference when it comes to blood. People with blood type O are bitten nearly twice as often as those with type A, with type B falling somewhere in between. Those with AB, it seems, can count themselves as the least appealing to these winged pests.

A 2004 study focusing on Aedes albopictus, a common mosquito species in India, confirmed that mosquitoes landed more frequently on individuals with type O blood — particularly those who are “secretors,” meaning their blood type antigens are also present in their saliva and sweat.

So what makes Type O so irresistible? Scientists believe that a substance called the H antigen, secreted by those with this blood type, acts like a beacon for mosquitoes. These insects have highly sensitive sensory organs that can detect this signal from a distance — especially when combined with other factors like body heat and sweat.

But blood type isn’t the only reason you might be the target at every picnic. Experts say several other factors contribute to your mosquito magnetism:

• Body Odor: Chemical compounds like lactic acid, ammonia, and the mix of bacteria on your skin can make you more appealing.

• Carbon Dioxide: People who breathe out more CO2 — such as those who are pregnant, exercising, or have a high metabolic rate — draw more mosquitoes.

• Body Heat: Mosquitoes gravitate toward warmth. A higher body temperature makes you more noticeable.

• Clothing Color: Dark colors like black, red, and navy attract mosquitoes more than lighter shades.

• Alcohol Consumption: A cold beer might refresh you, but it may also increase your chances of a mosquito bite by altering your body odor.

While there’s no changing your blood type, being aware of these triggers can help you take better precautions. So the next time you find yourself swatting more than your friends, you might want to blame your biology — not your bug spray.