Tick Bites and Blood Type: New Study Reveals Type A Blood May Attract More Ticks.
A recent study conducted by researchers at Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic, has found that the common European tick species, Ixodes ricinus, shows a preference for human blood type A. This discovery could have implications for understanding individual risks associated with tick bites and the transmission of tick-borne diseases.
The research team collected 100 nymph-stage Ixodes ricinus ticks from the Ruda region near Brno. In a controlled laboratory setting, they placed samples of human blood types A, B, AB, and O on filter paper within Petri dishes. Ticks were then introduced to these dishes, and their movements were observed over a two-minute period to determine blood type preference.
The study revealed that:
- ticks were most attracted to blood type A, with 36% showing a preference for it;
- blood types O and AB were moderately preferred – blood type B was the least attractive to the ticks, with only 15% showing a preference.
These results suggest that individuals with blood type A may be more susceptible to tick bites, while those with blood type B may be less so.
Ixodes ricinus is known to transmit several serious diseases, including Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, and anaplasmosis. Understanding factors that influence tick host selection can aid in developing targeted prevention strategies. While this study provides valuable insights, the researchers caution that further in vivo studies are necessary to confirm these findings in natural settings.
Recommendations
Regardless of blood type, individuals are advised to take standard precautions to prevent tick bites:
- Wear protective clothing when in areas where ticks are prevalent.
- Use tick repellents on skin and clothing.
- Perform thorough tick checks after outdoor activities.
For those with blood type A, heightened awareness and preventive measures may be particularly beneficial.
