Why can't mosquitoes transmit HIV/AIDS between humans?

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Kioyre S. Profile
Kioyre S. answered

HIV is spread through contact (directly) with an infected person's bodily fluids. If a mosquito sucks the blood of an HIV positive individual, it won't transmit to another human. The mosquito would use it for other things, as Chewed Bubblegum mentioned. In addition, HIV needs specific T-cells in order to replicate, and luckily, mosquitoes (and other blood-sucking insects) don't have these cells. Ultimately, the virus is broken down. A LOT of people would have HIV/AIDS if not for this!

Thank God for AP Biology.

Chewed Bubblegum Profile

I'm not sure, but I do know why mosquitoes "suck our blood." It's only the females that take our blood, and they take a small amount. They take the blood to a wet place, usually a swamp, and they use our blood to lay their eggs. Maybe it has something to do with that? I'm not sure though.

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