Latest news with #Clostridia
New York Post
02-06-2025
- Health
- New York Post
How kissing can actually spread depression and anxiety: study
Baby got bac! We all know that kissing and other close contact can transmit infections like the common cold, mononucleosis and herpes. A new study out of Iran suggests that depression and anxiety might be transmissible through kissing, too. 3 A new study out of Iran suggests that depression and anxiety might be transmissible through kissing. – Depression and anxiety can trigger the release of the stress hormone cortisol, which can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in the mouth. Spouses can transfer this bacteria while smooching — in fact, prior research found that as many as 80 million bacteria are transferred in just one 10-second kiss. The authors of the new study found that when one spouse had poor mental health and trouble sleeping, the healthy partner suffered similar symptoms after just six months. Bacteria were to blame. 'Specifically, in couples where one partner had [depression/anxiety], the oral microbiota of the healthy spouse mirrored that of the affected partner,' the researchers wrote in the Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine journal. 3 Depression and anxiety can trigger the release of the stress hormone cortisol, which can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in the mouth. Tinnakorn – The team followed 268 newlywed Iranian couples. One set of the honeymooners reported struggling with depression, anxiety and sleep problems while their spouses were healthy at the start of the study. Participants completed surveys about their mental health and provided saliva samples for cortisol measurement and oral bacteria swabs for DNA analysis. The researchers reported that the healthy spouses, particularly women, had significant increases in depression, anxiety and sleep difficulties after six months. These symptoms were not as intense as their partners'. Four types of bacteria — Clostridia, Veillonella, Bacillus and Lachnospiraceae — were relatively abundant in the samples. Some species of these bacteria may be harmful to health. 3 Prior research found that as many as 80 million bacteria are transferred in just one 10-second kiss. Alessandro Grandini – The researchers acknowledged several limitations to the study, including not taking into account underlying health issues and dietary factors that may influence oral bacteria. They suggest exploring whether bacteria play a role in other mental and brain-related conditions. Therapists and researchers have long recognized that a person's mental health struggles can have a 'ripple effect' on loved ones. This new study suggests that this impact is fueled in part by harmful mouth bacteria. Studies have identified other ways couples can be in sync. Their heart rates, sleep patterns and even their stress and reproductive hormones can synchronize over time.
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First Post
29-05-2025
- Health
- First Post
Can kissing spread depression and anxiety?
The research, published in Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine, examined the oral microbiome of 268 newly-married couples, the levels of cortisol in their saliva and their mental health. Here's what the study found about kissing leading to depression and anxiety read more They study involved examining the oral microbiome – a diverse array of microorganisms that reside in the human mouth – of 268 newly-married couples. Image courtesy: Pixabay/Representational Can kissing spread depression and anxiety? It may sounds unbelievable, but this is what a recent study has found. Researchers did so by studying the oral microbiome of over 250 newly-wedded couples. But what do we know? What did researchers find? Let's take a closer look What do we know? The research was published in Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine. It was led by independent researcher Reza Rastmanesh. As per Jerusalem Post, the entire team included researchers from Italy, India, Iran, and Great Britain. They study involved examining the oral microbiome – a diverse array of microorganisms that reside in the human mouth – of 268 newly-married couples in Iran. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Given that bacterial transmission can occur between spouses, this study aimed to investigate whether the transmission of oral microbiota between newlywed couples mediates symptoms of depression and anxiety,' the researchers said, as per New Atlas. As per Daily Mail, the study was conducted from February 2024 to October 2024. The study said women were more likely to be impacted than men. Image courtesy: Pixabay/Representational Patients were asked not to change any of the habits during the study. At the beginning of the study, one partner was in good mental health while the other had issues such as anxiety and depression as well as insomnia. Researchers studied the oral microbiome and measured cortisol in the saliva of all the participants on the first day of the research. They also gave the couples mental health tests and used advanced DNA sequencing techniques to examine the mouth bacteria. They then did so after six months and compared the two. What did they find? As per Daily Mail, the results found that the previously healthy spouses 'exhibited significantly higher scores for depression, anxiety, and insomnia compared to their own baseline measurements'. In short, it found that the spouses who suffered from insomnia and mental health conditions 'infected' the formerly healthy spouses. According to Hindustan Times, the mouth bacteria in the formerly healthy spouse now looked more like their unhealthy partner at the beginning of the study. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The study found bacteria such as Clostridia, Veillonella, Bacillus, and Lachnospiraceae became more widespread in both partners. These bacteria are linked to brain disorders, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Scientists say these bacteria impact the brain by degrading the blood-brain barrier. The study said women were more likely to be impacted than men. The study also found that levels of cortisol had increased in the formerly healthy spouses. So, what is to blame? Kissing, the researchers said. More specifically, the bacteria that was exchanged between the mouths of the spouses. 'Oral microbiota transfer between individuals in close contact, such as couples in the present study, may mediate depression and anxiety,' said the researchers, as per New Atlas. 'We found that changes in oral microbiota composition are associated with changes in the severity of insomnia, salivary cortisol levels, and depression and anxiety scores. Our findings align with previous studies on salivary cortisol levels as well as depression and anxiety scores.' At the beginning of the study, one partner was in good mental health while the other had issues such as anxiety and depression as well as insomnia. Representational image. Reuters However, the authors acknowledged several limitations with the study. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This included the fact that only Persian-peaking couples based in Iran were studied. The study also did not take into account other external factors such as major life events and dietary changes. They said more research is needed. 'Since this study is associational, further research is needed to establish whether this association is causal,' the researchers said. 'If it is determined that this association is indeed causal, it could have significant implications for contemporary research.' With inputs from agencies
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
You can 'catch' depression and anxiety by kissing your partner; New study reveals shocking 'transmission'
'In sickness and in health.' It's not for nothing that these words are conventionally included in the standard wedding vows. Turns out, partners sometimes become way more than soulmates; at times, in sickness – especially in the case of mental health – they might share your health issues as well. In a groundbreaking revelation, a recent study has revealed a surprising link between mental health and intimate acts between romantic partners. According to the study, your partner's mental health could potentially impact yours through the mere act of kissing! Read on to find out more about the 'contagion'. What does the study say? As per a 2025 study of newlywed couples in Iran, published in Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine , your partner's mental health could potentially impact your own through the exchange of oral bacteria. The study revealed that depression and anxiety can indeed be transmitted between partners through intimate interactions like kissing. This phenomenon, which was particularly highlighted in the research conducted amongst newlywed couples, showed that a mentally healthy spouse could start exhibiting signs of mental health issues after just six months of marriage to a partner struggling with depression. The study followed the dynamics of 1,740 couples, all newly married for an average of six months. The research, led by independent researcher Reza Rastmanesh, focused on contrasting two groups: one consisting of 268 healthy spouses and another of 268 partners grappling with mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. What are the findings? At the start of the study period, the healthy spouses showed normal scores for depression, anxiety, and sleep quality. However, it became evident that after spending six months alongside a partner experiencing mental health issues, there was a marked deterioration in the mental well-being of the previously healthy individuals. Their mental health scores notably increased, reflecting symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as sleep disturbances. Analyzing their saliva samples through advanced DNA sequencing techniques, researchers discovered that the oral bacterial profiles of the healthy spouses mirrored those of their depressed partners. This connection revealed that certain bacterial families, like Clostridia, Veillonella, Bacillus, and Lachnospiraceae, became more prevalent in both partners – which raised concerns due to their association with brain disorders such as depression and anxiety. As per the researchers, these bacteria might influence brain function by disrupting the blood-brain barrier, therefore compromising mental health. What are the implications? This groundbreaking study highlighted the profound impact of our microbiome, the vast community of microorganisms residing in our mouths, that we share with others through everyday activities such as kissing, sharing food, or even just being in close proximity. The findings suggested that this microbial exchange could play a significant role in the transmission of mental health conditions. They also drew our attention to a significant gender difference in susceptibility to this bacterial transmission. Women, in particular, were found to be more vulnerable, as female partners exhibited more pronounced alterations in their oral microbiome and corresponding mental health scores than their male counterparts. Moreover, the study monitored cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. The results indicated that the stress response systems of healthy spouses married to partners with depression and anxiety were notably activated, as indicated by a substantial rise in cortisol levels over the six-month duration of the study. This accounts for the deep interconnection between partner relationships and mental health, underscoring the adage that we truly can 'catch' our partner's mood, not just emotionally – but also biologically. High-fructose diet worsens depression in teens One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Hindustan Times
24-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
If your partner has depression, anxiety you could ‘catch' it by kissing them, says new study
Did you know that you could get depression and anxiety from your partner through mouth bacteria? Did we stump you? Well, a new study found that depression and anxiety can spread between partners if they kiss - a healthy spouse could show mental health symptoms after just six months of marriage to a depressed partner. Also Read | Nutritionist shares why every woman needs to eat dark chocolate during periods: Reduces cramps, boosts mood Each time you kiss, share food, or simply breathe near your spouse, you exchange millions of bacteria - the new research shows that this microbial sharing may also contribute to the transmission of mental health conditions. A 2025 study of newlywed couples in Iran - published in Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine - found that when a partner suffers from depression and anxiety, they could potentially change their healthy partner's oral bacteria, leading to a shift in the healthy partner's mood and sleep patterns. 'Oral microbiota transmission between individuals in close contact partially mediates symptoms of depression and anxiety,' the researchers said in the paper. Just six months into marriage, previously healthy spouses were significantly more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances if their partner was someone who had both mental health conditions, along with insomnia. The research, led by independent researcher Reza Rastmanesh, tracked 1,740 couples married for an average of six months, comparing 268 healthy spouses with 268 partners who had depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. They took standardised mental health tests, provided saliva samples to measure stress hormones, and had their mouth bacteria analysed using advanced DNA sequencing techniques. At the start of the six months, the healthy spouses scored normally on depression, anxiety, and sleep quality tests. However, after living with a partner with mental health issues, their scores were significantly higher. Their mouth bacteria resembled that of their depressed and anxious partners. Bacterial families like Clostridia, Veillonella, Bacillus, and Lachnospiraceae became more abundant in both partners. The bacteria are linked to brain disorders, including depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Scientists believe that they affect the brain by compromising the blood-brain barrier. Additionally, researchers found that women were more susceptible to this bacterial transmission; female spouses experienced more pronounced changes in both their oral microbiome and mental health scores. They also measured cortisol levels during the study and found that the stress hormone in healthy spouses married to depressed and anxious partners showed a significant increase over six months, indicating their stress response systems were being activated. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
USA Today
07-02-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Foodborne botulism is a rare, life-threatening condition. These are the signs to look for.
Foodborne botulism is a potentially deadly condition that's caused by eating food contaminated with botulinum toxin, a potent toxin that attacks the body's nervous system. The disease is incredibly rare; in 2019, there were 21 reported cases of foodborne botulism across the U.S., according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Botulism is treatable, but it's important to catch it early. As botulinum toxin moves through your body, it can lead to muscle paralysis, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, death. Knowing the signs of botulism can be life-saving. Here's everything experts need you to know. What is Clostridium botulinum? Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that produces botulinum toxin, the neurotoxin that causes botulism, says Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes, Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Clostridium botulinum can be found throughout nature, often on the surfaces of fruits and vegetables, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. Luckily, exposure to Clostridia rarely makes you sick. It's only under certain conditions that bacteria like Clostridium botulinum, and occasionally Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium baratii, are able to grow spores that make botulism toxin. These bacteria thrive in the absence of air, and tend to germinate in environments that have low acidity, sugar and salt, per the CDC. Where is Clostridium botulinum most commonly found? Self-canned and self-preserved foods are particularly susceptible to Clostridia growth, says Shonna McBride, an associate professor of microbiology and immunology, and expert of clostridium, at the Emory University School of Medicine. If the spores of Clostridium botulinum are living on your fruits, vegetables or whatever else you intend to preserve, and you haven't sufficiently sterilized your canning equipment, you leave the door open for the bacteria to produce the toxin, explains McBride. These days, incidences of foodborne botulism linked to commercially-canned goods have become extremely rare, Kuritzkes says. This is largely because food processing plants have routine inspections that check cleanliness and sterility standards. You can't see, smell or taste botulism toxin, so it can be difficult to identify when contamination has occurred, per the CDC. A potential sign, however, is if you see a can that's visibly bulging, notes McBride. As the bacteria multiplies, it produces gas – so much so that it can sometimes stretch a metal can. What is the healthiest fruit?This one has cognitive and cardiovascular benefits. What symptoms does foodborne botulism cause? 'Botulism toxin is quite potent, so even ingesting a small amount of the toxin can have serious effects,' says Kuritzkes. When the toxin enters the body, it gets absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, and begins targeting the nerves. When your nerves aren't able to communicate with each other, your muscles enter a state of flaccid paralysis, says McBride. According to Dr. Scott A. Weisenberg, an infectious disease specialist and medical director of the Travel Medicine Program at NYU Langone Health, key signs of foodborne botulism include: Trouble swallowing and speaking, changes in vision, general muscle weakness and difficulty breathing. These symptoms typically appear between 12 to 36 hours after you've ingested the toxin, although they could pop up as early as four hours after exposure, per the World Health Organization. Good to know:Is tonsillitis contagious? Here's what you need to know about this common condition. Can you fully recover from botulism? When botulism is left untreated, your body enters a state of complete respiratory paralysis, possibly leading to death, says Kuritzes. Five percent to 10% of botulism cases are fatal, per the WHO. However, you can make a full recovery from the disease if it's caught early, which is why it's important to get to a hospital if you're having botulism-like symptoms. Botulism antitoxin neutralizes botulinum toxin, preventing it from causing further damage to your nerves. However, it isn't able to repair any existing damage, and in severe cases, people will need to be intubated to help them breathe. Eventually, the toxin will dissipate, but symptoms can persist for months, says McBride. Again, it's important to underscore that botulism is extremely rare. However, to reduce the likelihood of ever experiencing it, exercise safe food handling and storage practices, recommends Weisenberg. For people preparing canned foods at home, this is especially important, he says.
