Blood type may matter more than you think. Scientists have discovered that one specific type discourages ticks from attacking.
Ticks show a preference for certain blood types, influencing their likelihood of encountering and transmitting diseases such as Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis.
These findings emerged from research at Masaryk University in Brno, where scientists discovered that ticks are most attracted to individuals with blood type A, selecting them as hosts in 36% of cases. Conversely, individuals with blood type B were least favored, with ticks choosing them in only 15% of cases.
Despite these observations, it’s essential to note that the study involved a small sample size of 100 people, limiting the generalizability of the findings. Further research is needed to substantiate these correlations more definitively.
Regardless of blood type, everyone is at risk from bacteria and viruses transmitted by ticks. Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis and thorough body checks after outdoor activities remain crucial precautions against these arachnids.