Shared Microbes: Couples and Housemates Can Exchange Bacteria
A study published in Cell Press Blue found that cohabitating romantic partners share about 44% of their oral microbiome and 19% of their gut microbiome, with sharing being more common through saliva exchange like kissing. While the majority of bacteria are harmless or beneficial, some transmissible microbes were linked to poor health, including a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between shared microbiomes and disease risk.
Original Article Source Link:
https://www.npr.org/2026/06/16/nx-s1-5859419/microbiome-oral-gut-romantic-partner