Latest news with #Clostridia
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First Post
3 days ago
- 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.
Yahoo
06-10-2024
- Health
- Yahoo
Your microbes live on after you die − a microbiologist explains how your necrobiome recycles your body to nourish new life
Your microbes live on after you die − a microbiologist explains how your necrobiome recycles your body to nourish new life Each human body contains a complex community of trillions of microorganisms that are important for your health while you're alive. These microbial symbionts help you digest food, produce essential vitamins, protect you from infection and serve many other critical functions. In turn, the microbes, which are mostly concentrated in your gut, get to live in a relatively stable, warm environment with a steady supply of food. But what happens to these symbiotic allies after you die? As an environmental microbiologist who studies the necrobiome – the microbes that live in, on and around a decomposing body – I've been curious about our postmortem microbial legacy. You might assume that your microbes die with you – once your body breaks down and your microbes are flushed into the environment, they won't survive out in the real world. In our September 2023 study, my research team and I share evidence that not only do your microbes continue to live on after you die, they actually play an important role in recycling your body so that new life can flourish. Microbial life after death When you die, your heart stops circulating the blood that has carried oxygen throughout your body. Cells deprived of oxygen start digesting themselves in a process called autolysis. Enzymes in those cells – which normally digest carbohydrates, proteins and fats for energy or growth in a controlled way – start to work on the membranes, proteins, DNA and other components that make up the cells. The products of this cellular breakdown make excellent food for your symbiotic bacteria, and without your immune system to keep them in check and a steady supply of food from your digestive system, they turn to this new source of nutrition. Gut bacteria, especially a class of microbes called Clostridia, spread through your organs and digest you from the inside out in a process called putrefaction. Without oxygen inside the body, your anaerobic bacteria rely on energy-producing processes that don't require oxygen, such as fermentation. These create the distinctly odorous-gases signature to decomposition. From an evolutionary standpoint, it makes sense that your microbes would have evolved ways to adapt to a dying body. Like rats on a sinking ship, your bacteria will soon have to abandon their host and survive out in the world long enough to find a new host to colonize. Taking advantage of the carbon and nutrients of your body allows them to increase their numbers. A bigger population means a higher probability that at least a few will survive out in the harsher environment and successfully find a new body. A microbial invasion If you're buried in the ground, your microbes are flushed into the soil along with a soup of decomposition fluids as your body breaks down. They're entering an entirely new environment and encountering a whole new microbial community in the soil. The mixing or coalescence of two distinct microbial communities happens frequently in nature. Coalescence happens when the roots of two plants grow together, when wastewater is emptied into a river or even when two people kiss. The outcome of mixing – which community dominates and which microbes are active – depends on several factors, such as how much environmental change the microbes experience and who was there first. Your microbes are adapted to the stable, warm environment inside your body where they receive a steady supply of food. In contrast, soil is a particularly harsh place to live – it's a highly variable environment with steep chemical and physical gradients and big swings in temperature, moisture and nutrients. Furthermore, soil already hosts an exceptionally diverse microbial community full of decomposers that are well adapted to that environment and would presumably outcompete any newcomers. It's easy to assume that your microbes will die off once they are outside your body. However, my research team's previous studies have shown that the DNA signatures of host-associated microbes can be detected in the soil below a decomposing body, on the soil surface and in graves for months or years after the soft tissues of the body have decomposed. This raised the question of whether these microbes are still alive and active or if they are merely in a dormant state waiting for the next host. Our newest study suggests that your microbes are not only living in the soil but also cooperating with native soil microbes to help decompose your body. In the lab, we showed that mixing soil and decomposition fluids filled with host-associated microbes increased decomposition rates beyond that of the soil communities alone. We also found that host-associated microbes enhanced nitrogen cycling. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for life, but most of the nitrogen on Earth is tied up as atmospheric gas that organisms can't use. Decomposers play a critical role recycling organic forms of nitrogen such as proteins into inorganic forms such as ammonium and nitrate that microbes and plants can use. Our new findings suggest that our microbes are likely playing a part in this recycling process by converting large nitrogen-containing molecules like proteins and nucleic acids into ammonium. Nitrifying microbes in the soil can then convert the ammonium into nitrate. Next generation of life The recycling of nutrients from detritus, or nonliving organic matter, is a core process in all ecosystems. In terrestrial ecosystems, decomposition of dead animals, or carrion, fuels biodiversity and is an important link in food webs. Living animals are a bottleneck for the carbon and nutrient cycles of an ecosystem. They slowly accumulate nutrients and carbon from large areas of the landscape throughout their lives then deposit it all at once in a small, localized spot when they die. One dead animal can support a whole pop-up food web of microbes, soil fauna and arthropods that make their living off carcasses. Insect and animal scavengers help further redistribute nutrients in the ecosystem. Decomposer microbes convert the concentrated pools of nutrient-rich organic molecules from our bodies into smaller, more bioavailable forms that other organisms can use to support new life. It's not uncommon to see plant life flourishing near a decomposing animal, visible evidence that nutrients in bodies are being recycled back into the ecosystem. That our own microbes play an important role in this cycle is one microscopic way we live on after death. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Jennifer DeBruyn, University of Tennessee Read more: Jennifer DeBruyn receives funding from the United States Department of Agriculture, National Science Foundation, Department of Justice, and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
