The search for alternatives to synthetic mosquito repellents is taking a new direction with the study of the skin microbiome. Modifying the microbial flora of our skin could be the key to making us less attractive to these insects, which at best cause restless nights and at worst facilitate the spread of diseases.
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Mosquitoes are attracted to the unique smell emitted by our skin, particularly by molecules released during the breakdown of our sweat by bacteria. A recent study has uncovered chemical compounds produced by the skin microbiome capable of repelling mosquitoes, notably the
Aedes aegypti, responsible for transmitting diseases such as dengue, Zika, yellow fever, and chikungunya. These findings suggest that by altering our microbiome to emit certain scents, we could effectively prevent mosquito bites.
The research team cultured several bacterial strains present on human skin, including the genera
Staphylococcus and
Corynebacterium. They then analyzed the volatile compounds these bacteria emitted and their effect on mosquito behavior. Three skin volatiles were identified as repellents: 2-methylbutyric acid, 3-methylbutyric acid, and geraniol. Conversely, lactic acid, produced by the bacteria, strongly attracts mosquitoes.
The study's authors suggest that the skin microbiota could be modified to either stop producing attractive chemicals or, on the contrary, to produce repellent ones. Furthermore, reducing the production of lactic acid could also help prevent bites.
This research paves the way for innovative strategies to prevent diseases transmitted by mosquitoes, by exploiting the very biology of our skin. It highlights the importance of understanding the complex interactions between our microbiome and disease-vector insects to develop more natural and potentially safer protection methods than current chemical repellents.