PLoS Negl Trop Dis May 2018 PMID 29771921

Mosquito saliva alone has profound effects on the human immune system.

Megan B Vogt, Anismrita Lahon, Ravi P Arya, Alexander R Kneubehl, Jennifer L Spencer Clinton, Silke Paust, Rebecca Rico-Hesse

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Mentions

142

Peak: 47 in Aug 2021

across 6 sources since Feb 2020

Extended reach

896,207

potential audience

Total likes

2,519

Video views

252,440

Mentions per month

Feb 2020 – May 2025

Where it's discussed

X / Twitter67 posts
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AI synopsis

What people are saying

The overall tone reflects high interest in the biological effects of mosquito saliva, with posts mentioning its complex proteins and effects on the immune system, while some posts explore personal experiences or skepticism. Words like 'profound effects' and phrases such as 'science finally figured out' indicate that the scientific findings are seen as meaningful, although some comments question ecological impacts or the broader significance, which keeps the perceived impact moderate.

AgreementNeither agree nor disagree

Most discussions acknowledge the significance of mosquito saliva's effects, but some also express doubt or emphasize ongoing scientific discoveries, resulting in a neutral stance overall.

InterestHigh interest

The conversations demonstrate high curiosity about the biological and health implications, with many posts asking questions or sharing personal experiences related to mosquito bites.

EngagementModerate engagement

Participants actively reference the scientific importance and daily effects, with some offering personal anecdotes or reactions, showing moderate to deep engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions highlight that the research on mosquito saliva could influence public health understanding and insect behavior, although it’s still emerging science for many.

Abstract in brief

Mosquito saliva contains over 100 proteins that significantly influence the human immune response, but many of their functions remain unknown.
Research using humanized mice showed that mosquito bites induce both Th1 and Th2 immune responses, causing changes in cytokine levels and immune cell distribution that can last up to 7 days.
These findings are important because they provide, for the first time, detailed insights into how living mosquitoes affect human immune responses, which can inform future strategies to prevent diseases transmitted by mosquito bites.]

Read the full abstract

All mentions

Understanding the Immune Response to Mosquito Bites and Saliva Effects

Have you ever wondered what happens in your body when bitten by a mosquito? This video explains the scientific process behind the body's reaction to mosquito saliva, which contains over 100 proteins that influence…

Demystifying Medicine McMaster · Jan 27, 2021 226,308 views

Understanding Mosquito Attraction and Its Impact on Human Immunity

If you feel like mosquitos flock to you more than others, it's due to chemicals from your skin. Mosquito saliva impacts the human immune system, inducing immune responses that can last up to 7 days. This research offers…

Reactions · Jul 12, 2023 26,132 views

shannon hansen

@bspachem · X

https://t.co/i9E6a8ujF8

May 2, 2025 · 46 followers View post →

Moacir Sena

@Mo_Americanoid · X

#KidZone - Why do you Itch after a Mosquito Bite? https://t.co/7tv0gnBifL via @YouTube

Oct 24, 2024 · 2,374 followers View post →

Reactions

@ACSReactions · X

RT @AmerChemSociety: DYK that today is #WorldMosquitoDay? Curious why it seems like #mosquitos seem to only want to celebrate with you? Che…

Aug 20, 2023 · 1 share · 11,940 followers View post →

American Chemical Society

@AmerChemSociety · X

Aug 20, 2023 · 7 likes · 1 share · 261,994 followers View post →

Michael C D'Souza

@dsouzamichaelc · X

Why you are the main course for mosquitoes at a barbecue. Answers from the #FrontierOfScience via @ACSReactions. https://t.co/3PoioDEOlf

Jul 17, 2023 · 1 like · 1,078 followers View post →

Matthew Radcliff

@DocRoundupDC · X

RT @ACSReactions: It's mosquito season and if you think they're more attracted to you than other people, you're right. And science finally…

Jul 13, 2023 · 1 share · 318 followers View post →

Reactions

@ACSReactions · X

It's mosquito season and if you think they're more attracted to you than other people, you're right. And science finally figured out why. https://t.co/QSSjFhHk9O

Jul 13, 2023 · 3 likes · 1 share · 11,940 followers View post →

shannon hansen

@bspachem · X

RT @ACSReactions: Do mosquitos have a personal vendetta against you? It’s not in your head. Science finally has the answer why mosquitos pr…

Jul 13, 2023 · 2 shares · 46 followers View post →

elaine

@sewelai · X

RT @ACSReactions: Do mosquitos have a personal vendetta against you? It’s not in your head. Science finally has the answer why mosquitos pr…

Jul 12, 2023 · 2 shares · 707 followers View post →

Reactions

@ACSReactions · X

Do mosquitos have a personal vendetta against you? It’s not in your head. Science finally has the answer why mosquitos prefer some people over others https://t.co/QSSjFhHk9O

Jul 12, 2023 · 4 likes · 2 shares · 11,940 followers View post →

CK's Technology News

@CKsTechNews · X

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Jan 27, 2023 · 1,344 followers View post →

CMO Whitehorse

@CmoWhitehorse · X

https://t.co/TSwfVK9JgZ That how pesky mosquito does that. #medicaldept #USSAequitas @CmoWhitehorse

Jun 7, 2022 · 2 followers View post →

HsiangHui

@hsianghui · X

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Sep 15, 2021 · 8,287 followers View post →

Tamer Salama

@tamersalama · X

@forsoothsayer “Mosquito saliva is a very complex concoction of >100 proteins, many of which have unknown functions” I hope mosquitoes die. And if they did, they won’t affect any of the eco systems. https://t.co/lbLX22toJW

Sep 8, 2021 · 1 like · 1,167 followers View post →

Rémi Cartier

@RemiMTL · X

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Aug 25, 2021 · 324 followers View post →

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Aug 25, 2021 · 7,528 followers View post →

Место Встречи Изменить Нельзя

@evgeniysharapov · X

Interesting read https://t.co/mrn7oCGXqo My anecdote - I live in NC and I don't notice mosquitos. I don't get itchy, I don't get any skin rash or dimples. My wife and kids do. Very bad ones too. I attribute it to me being bitten by mosquitos in the north of Russia for 22 years

Aug 24, 2021 · 65 followers View post →

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Aug 24, 2021 · 5 followers View post →

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Aug 24, 2021 · 1 share · 13,050 followers View post →

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@newsyc200 · X

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Aug 23, 2021 · 3,232 followers View post →

Mr O.V.E.N

@mr_o_v_e_n · X

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Aug 23, 2021 · 25 followers View post →

localhostscience

@localhostsci · X

Mosquito saliva alone has profound effects on the human immune system

Aug 23, 2021 · 34 followers View post →

Hacker News 150

@newsyc150 · X

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Aug 23, 2021 · 1 like · 4,126 followers View post →

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@Hn150 · X

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Aug 23, 2021 · 104 followers View post →

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@ScraperNews · X

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Aug 23, 2021 · 33 followers View post →

⚡️YOU SCIENCE ⚡️

@YouScienceLIVE · X

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Aug 23, 2021 · 1,020 followers View post →

Shanna Prus

@PrusShanna · X

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@Sigma19001 · X

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Aug 23, 2021 · 3 shares · 326 followers View post →

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Aug 23, 2021 · 20,024 followers View post →

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Aug 23, 2021 · 1 share · 1,284 followers View post →

Hacker News 100

@newsyc100 · X

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Aug 23, 2021 · 2 likes · 1 share · 9,375 followers View post →

Top HN

@top_hn_bot · X

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Aug 23, 2021 · 66 followers View post →

Marion L.

@osibot · X

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Hacker News 50

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Aug 23, 2021 · 803 followers View post →

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Aug 23, 2021 · 48 followers View post →

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Aug 23, 2021 · 2,545 followers View post →

Dan Lundmark

@danboarder · X

@JamesSurowiecki @JamesSurowiecki slow down, the law of unintended consequences might prove itself again -- science is just discovering now that mosquito saliva alone has profound effects on the human immune system (and possibly these are necessary effects). See here: https://t.co/0G7VFdGQMJ

Aug 23, 2021 · 1,284 followers View post →

ሣህለ ገብርኤል።

@AAAquaponics · X

@ManoraMicky @DBLaeke Can we please deal with one insect at a time starting with the #1 killer of all time. https://t.co/IrNkbszGl8

Aug 1, 2021 · 2 likes · 1,212 followers View post →

Phillip Drummond

@GiveEmHellHagan · X

https://t.co/sVTOdfEcjO

Jul 14, 2021 · 330 followers View post →

LїckLїckBenBen

@_ooo0OOOO0ooo_ · X

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Mar 18, 2021 · 2,901 followers View post →

Alizée

@Alizee_pls · X

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Jul 1, 2020 · 125 followers View post →

CYNTHIA

@iamcynthia_b · X

RT @ufuomajaja: @Stanwaves @_olusegun @Tutsy22 They tried it didn’t work!

Mar 30, 2020 · 1 share · 2,221 followers View post →

ufuomajaja

@ufuomajaja · X

@Stanwaves @_olusegun @Tutsy22 They tried it didn’t work!

Mar 30, 2020 · 13 likes · 1 share · 530 followers View post →

UltimApe

@ultimape · X

Going to have a lot of fun this year while trying to find out what triggers my acoustic habituation responses. I think it's a feedback loop between my immune system and responses to mosquito. What does mosquito saliva smell like? https://t.co/LXh0A8bzYk https://t.co/L9aK5kVBDh

Feb 10, 2020 · 2 likes · 6,711 followers View post →

Mosquito saliva alone has profound effects on the human immune system.

Mentions per month

Where it's discussed

What people are saying

Abstract in brief

Top posts

All mentions

Understanding the Immune Response to Mosquito Bites and Saliva Effects

Understanding Mosquito Attraction and Its Impact on Human Immunity