University of Porto study links gut and oral bacteria to psychopathic traits

Researchers at the University of Porto and the i3S Institute have identified a potential link between specific gut and oral bacteria and subclinical psychopathic personality traits. The study, published in Translational Psychiatry, analyzed samples from 200 healthy participants, including blood, saliva, and stool.

While the study does not establish a cause-and-effect relationship, it found significant positive associations between higher scores in psychopathic traits—such as impulsivity, lack of empathy, and antisocial behavior—and an increased abundance of certain microorganisms. Specifically, the bacteria Allisonella, Prevotella, and Cloacibacillus evryensis were identified as being linked to these traits.

Scientists suggest these findings could eventually lead to the identification of biological markers for mental health. Hypotheses regarding the mechanism include potential inflammatory processes related to Allisonella, emotional processing links with Prevotella, and the production of the neurotransmitter GABA by Cloacibacillus evryensis, which is involved in impulse control.