Development of an Insect Repellent Based on Human Skin Emanations. Phase 1
Abstract
During Phase I, we have identified human subjects from a group of 30 males and females whose forearms were consistently least attractive or most attractive to Aedes aegypti mosquitoes contained in an olfactometer (F = 5.92, P = 0.0000). All of the 4 least attractive subjects were female and all of the 5 most attractive subjects were male. Females in general were significantly less attractive to the mosquitoes than the males (ANOVA, F = 49.33, P = 0.0000) Several pilot studies were conducted in Phase I. First, we demonstrated that Aedes aegypti attraction to the forearm of a male subject could be essentially extinguished by thorough washing of the forearm. Second, volatile emanations from a subject's forearm could be captured on solid adsorbent; thermal desorption into the olfactometer demonstrated their attractancy. Third, volatile emanations from a subject's forearm could be captured in a canister and analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Fourth, we developed a model for human attractancy to mosquitoes using excised pig skin. This model was either very attractive or essentially unattractive to mosquitoes, depending on the time of measurement. In summary, we have (1) developed both in vitro (pig skin) and in vivo (human subjects) test systems whose attractancy to mosquitoes varies in a predictable way and (2) demonstrated appropriate methodology for collection and analysis of skin emanations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADB216726
Entities
People
- William G. Reifenrath