How Zika Virus Alters Human Skin to Attract Mosquitoes
The Zika virus has been shown to manipulate human skin, transforming it into an attractor for mosquitoes by altering gene expression and increasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This manipulation increases mosquito attraction, thereby enhancing the virus's transmission capabilities. This finding provides crucial insights that could lead to new methods of disrupting the transmission cycle.
Understanding Zika's Manipulation of Human Skin
Research led by Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine sheds light on how the Zika virus manipulates human biology to enhance its survival and spread. By altering the gene expression within dermal fibroblasts, Zika transforms the skin into a more appealing target for mosquitoes.
"Zika virus isn't just passively transmitted, but it actively manipulates human biology to ensure its survival," noted Dr. Noushin Emami, co-lead author of the study.
This manipulation is evidenced by a significant increase in the production of volatile organic compounds, which mosquitoes find irresistible. Such modifications elevate the risk of Zika spread, especially in areas with high mosquito populations.
Implications for Public Health and Disease Control
The study's insights into how Zika manipulates skin chemistry provide a foundation for innovative public health strategies. By targeting the metabolic changes induced by the virus, new interventions could hinder its spread.
These interventions might include genetic modifications or chemical inhibitors that interrupt the VOC signals emitted by infected skin, thus reducing mosquito attraction. This approach could significantly impact the transmission rates of Zika and potentially other similar arboviruses.
"The possibilities are as intriguing as they are urgent," Dr. Nosuhin Emami remarked, emphasizing the potential of new combat strategies against arboviruses.
Citations
- Mozūraitis, R., Cirksena, K., & Raftari, M. (2025). Zika virus modulates human fibroblasts to enhance transmission success in a controlled lab-setting. Communications Biology, 10(2), 123-134. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-025-07543-9
- Emami, N. (2025). Zika uses human skin as ‘mosquito magnet’ to spread virus further. Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. Retrieved 2025-02-04, from https://www.lstmed.ac.uk/news-events/news/zika-uses-human-skin-as-%E2%80%98mosquito-magnet%E2%80%99-to-spread-virus-further
- Bernier, U. (2000). Analysis of human skin emanations by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Analytical Chemistry. Retrieved 2025-02-04, from https://doi.org/10.1021/ac990963k
