Bill Ralston: No kissing, please

It's odd enough, but you also exchange between 10 million and one billion bacteria.

Print Share

23rd March, 2012

Did you know that every time two people kiss each other on the lips they exchange between 10 million and a billion bacteria? I discovered that revoltingly unromantic fact while reading the UK’s Independent. Lord knows how many bacteria you would swap if you kissed your partner anywhere else, but it got me thinking. Elsewhere I read that an open-mouth kiss contains up to 278 different types of bacteria but 95% of them are not dangerous, which is a relief. Also you will manage to transfer around 9mg of water, 6.7mg of protein, 0.2mg of organic matter, 0.7mg of fat and 0.4mg of salt ...

Get full access to Listener.co.nz

Subscribers can read the full version of this story.

You can subscribe and get full online access for as little as $5 per week.

Enjoy the high-quality, in-depth journalism of the Listener magazine with convenient online access. This includes access to thousands of archived articles and up-to-date TV and entertainment listings.

Our great content is available online even before it hits the shelves, and includes more focus on breaking news. With our responsive design you get a great reader experience whether you read from your home computer, tablet, or even smartphone.

Already a subscriber? Just login to read full version of this story.

Already an existing print subscriber? As part of your magazine subscription you are entitled to receive full access to the New Zealand Listener Online content. Click here for instructions on how to redeem your digital access.

Or you can subscribe now to get unlimited access to listener.co.nz.