The MBA, also termed hypersensitivity to mosquito bites (HMB), are excessive reactions to mosquito bites that are not caused by any toxin or pathogen in the saliva injected by a mosquito at the time it takes its blood-meal. Rather, they are allergic hypersensitivity reactions caused by the non-toxic allergenic proteins contained in the mosquitos saliva. Studies have shown or suggest that numerous species of mosquitoes can trigger ordinary reactions as well as MBA. These include Aedes aegypti, Aedes vexans, Aedes albopictus, Anopheles sinensis, Culex pipiens, Aedes communis, Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus, Ochlerotatus triseriatus, and Culex tritaeniorhynchus. Furthermore, there is considerable cross-reactivity between the salivary proteins of mosquitoes in the same family and, to a lesser extent, different families. It is therefore assumed that these allergic responses may be caused by virtually any mosquito species (or other biting insect). The mosquito bite allergies are informally classified as 1) the Skeeter syndrome, i.e. severe local skin reactions sometimes associated with low-grade fever; 2) systemic reactions that range from high-grade fever, lymphadenopathy, abdominal pain, and/or diarrhea to, very rarely, life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis; and 3) severe and often systemic reactions occurring in individuals that have an Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoproliferative disease, Epstein-Barr virus-negative lymphoid malignancy, or another predisposing condition such as Eosinophilic cellulitis or chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Mechanism
Visible, irritating bites are due to an immune response from the binding of IgG and IgE antibodies to antigens in the mosquitos saliva. Some of the sensitizing antigens are common to all mosquito species, whereas others are specific to certain species.
The Tatars of the Altai had a similar myth, thought to be of Native North American origin, involving the fragments of the dead giant, Andalma-Muus, becoming mosquitoes and other insects. Modern era
Winsor McCays 1912 film How a Mosquito Operates was one of the earliest works of animation, which has been described as far ahead of its time in technical quality. It depicts a giant mosquito tormenting a sleeping man.The de Havilland Mosquito was a high-speed aircraft manufactured between 1940 and 1950, and used in many roles. References
Further reading
External links

Mosquito at Curlie
Mosquito Information Website
Mosquitoes chapter in United States Environmental Protection Agency National Public Health Pesticide Applicator Training Manual
A film clip describing The Life Cycle of the Mosquito is available at the Internet Archive
"Mosquitoes: The Worst". Stuff You Should Know (Podcast). Retrieved 2015-06-30. Parasitic Insects, Mites and Ticks: Genera of Medical and Veterinary Importance Wikibooks