A new study has found that certain people are more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes than others, and it may be due to their body odor.

The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, found that mosquitoes were more attracted to people who had higher levels of certain chemicals in their sweat, including lactic acid, ammonia, and carbon dioxide.

"Our findings suggest that the composition of human body odor plays an important role in attracting mosquitoes," said study lead author Dr. Maria Elena De Obaldia. "This could help us develop new ways to repel mosquitoes and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases."

The study involved 30 healthy adults who were exposed to mosquitoes in a controlled environment. The researchers collected data on the participants' body odor, as well as the number of mosquito bites they received.

The results showed that the participants who had higher levels of lactic acid, ammonia, and carbon dioxide in their sweat were more likely to be bitten by mosquitoes.

"These chemicals are produced by the body during exercise, sweating, and other activities that increase the body's temperature," said Dr. De Obaldia. "This suggests that mosquitoes may be attracted to people who are physically active or have a higher body temperature."

The study also found that mosquitoes were more attracted to people who had a higher concentration of certain bacteria on their skin.

"These bacteria produce chemicals that are attractive to mosquitoes," said Dr. De Obaldia. "This could explain why some people seem to be more attractive to mosquitoes than others, even if they have a similar body odor."

The researchers say that the study's findings could lead to new ways to repel mosquitoes and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

"By understanding the chemicals that attract mosquitoes, we can develop more effective repellents that target these chemicals," said Dr. De Obaldia. "This could help to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus."