Who do bedbugs bite, considering blood type? - briefly
Bedbugs feed on any human host, showing only a modest tendency to prefer blood type O over A, B, or AB, and the preference does not significantly affect bite frequency.
Who do bedbugs bite, considering blood type? - in detail
Bedbugs locate hosts by detecting carbon‑dioxide, heat, and skin odors. Once a host is identified, they probe the skin with their stylet and draw blood. Research indicates that certain blood‑type antigens influence the likelihood of being selected.
- Type O blood appears most attractive; laboratory studies show a higher feeding frequency on O‑type volunteers compared to A, B, or AB.
- Type A individuals are bitten less often than O, yet more frequently than B or AB in most experiments.
- Type B and AB exhibit the lowest feeding rates, with AB often receiving the fewest bites.
The preference is linked to the presence of specific carbohydrate structures on the red‑cell membrane that interact with the bug’s chemosensory receptors. Type O lacks A and B antigens, presenting a simpler surface that may be easier for the insect to recognize.
Additional factors modify the pattern:
- Sweat composition, particularly lactic acid and certain fatty acids, can enhance attraction regardless of blood type.
- Body temperature and movement increase detection probability for all individuals.
- Pregnancy raises metabolic rate and carbon‑dioxide output, leading to higher bite incidence across all blood groups.
In summary, while bedbugs are opportunistic feeders, individuals with blood type O are statistically more vulnerable, followed by A, then B and AB. Nonetheless, environmental cues and physiological states can outweigh blood‑type effects in real‑world infestations.