Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

HIV and squashed mosquitoes

Can you get HIV from squashing a mosquito that is full of HIV-positive blood?

I've read that mosquitoes simply don't carry enough blood (and therefore enough HIV particles) to transmit AIDS (http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~insects/aids.htm), BUT:

- A mosquito can carry ca. 1-10 microlitres of blood.
- A syringe needle has a capacity of ca. 20 microlitres (http://hivinsite.ucsf.edu/insite?page=ask-01-06-11).

Then, if HIV can be contracted with the blood volume contained inside a syringe needle, and this volume is only 2 times of that of a big mosquito, why is it not possible to contract AIDS by squashing a mosquito (assuming the virus particles inside of the mosquito are still active, the time for the digestion of the virus being 1-2 days)???
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
(see above)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Why? Is the blood amount not enough? HIV survives for 1-2 days.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
No.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the HIV Prevention Community

Top HIV Answerers
366749 tn?1544695265
Karachi, Pakistan
370181 tn?1595629445
Arlington, WA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from surfaces, like toilet seats?
Can you get HIV from casual contact, like hugging?
Frequency of HIV testing depends on your risk.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may help prevent HIV infection.