Mosquitos, though capable of spreading certain diseases, are NOT capable of spreading the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The mosquito cannot host the virus because it lacks human T-cells. Such cells are required for the HIV to replicate.
Do mosquitoes inject blood into a person when they bite?
Other factors prohibit mosquitos from acting as a vector for HIV as well. Mosquitos do not inject blood into a person when they “bite”. A mosquito injects its saliva. Female mosquitos that supplement their diet with blood generate saliva that acts as an anticoagulant and vasodilator.
It is the components of that saliva that result in the rash and itch associated with a mosquito bite. The point is, that a mosquito does not introduce another human’s bodily fluids to the next person she feeds on.
Is a mosquito’s mouth like a syringe?
This question is worded in such a way as to suggest that the presence of HIV-infected blood on or in the mouth parts of a mosquito that just fed is the concern. The implication perhaps is that if a shared syringe can transfer HIV then perhaps a mosquito’s mouth can function similarly. It cannot simply because an adequate amount of HIV cannot remain on the mouth parts to result in infection.
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What diseases do mosquitoes transmit?
The following diseases are transmitted through mosquito bites when they carry the viruses or parasites from infected individuals or animals. These diseases include Malaria (caused by Plasmodium parasites, common in tropical and subtropical regions), Dengue Fever (caused by the dengue virus, prevalent in tropical climates), Yellow Fever (a viral disease that can lead to jaundice, liver failure, and death), Zika Virus (known for causing birth defects if pregnant women are infected), Chikungunya (causes fever and joint pain, common in Africa, Asia, and the Indian subcontinent), West Nile Virus (mostly asymptomatic, but can lead to severe neurological diseases), Japanese Encephalitis (causes brain inflammation, mainly in Asia), Rift Valley Fever (affects livestock and humans, causing fever and bleeding disorders), Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis) (caused by parasitic worms that affect the lymphatic system), and Tularemia (caused by Francisella tularensis, and while it can be transmitted by various means, including direct contact with infected animals (like rabbits), contaminated water, or inhalation, it can also be spread by the bite of infected arthropods, including certain species of mosquitoes, as well as ticks and flies).
September 1, 2024: Several people have asked me a similar question regarding bed bugs. Bed bugs are not known to spread any diseases to humans. Bed bugs are not considered a vector for human infection including HIV. The compendium of medical knowledge does not recognize HIV as spread between humans by any insects or arachnids. Thank you.
By Dr Gregory Serfer, a Physician, Author and Borderline Personality Disorder Advocate
