Identification of human-derived volatile chemicals that interfere with attraction of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
It is known that human individuals show different levels of attractiveness to mosquitoes. In this study, we investigated the chemical basis for low attractiveness. We recorded behaviors of Aedes aegypti toward the hands of human volunteers and toward the volatile chemicals produced by their bodies. Some individuals, and their corresponding volatiles, elicited low upwind flight, relative attraction, and probing activity. Analyzing the components by gas chromatography coupled to electrophysiological recordings from the antennae of Aedes aegypti, enabled the location of 33 physiologically relevant compounds. The results indicated that higher levels of specific compounds may be responsible for decreased "attractiveness." In behavioral experiments, five of the compounds caused a significant reduction in upwind flight of Aedes aegypti to attractive human hands. Thus, unattractiveness of individuals may result from a repellent, or attractant "masking," mechanism.
Logan
James G
JG
Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire, AL5 2JQ, UK.
Birkett
Michael A
MA
Clark
Suzanne J
SJ
Powers
Stephen
S
Seal
Nicola J
NJ
Wadhams
Lester J
LJ
Mordue Luntz
A Jennifer
AJ
Pickett
John A
JA
D000328:Adult; D000330:Aedes / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009812:Odorants; D010675:Pheromones / Q000032:analysis* / Q000502:physiology; D011235:Predatory Behavior; D012679:Sense Organs / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D014835:Volatilization
D010675:Pheromones