It has been reported that British scientists now believe that kissing developed to spread germs.

They are reported as saying that the uniquely human habit allows a bug that is dangerous in pregnancy to be passed from man to woman to give her time to build up immunity.

Cytomegalovirus, found in saliva, is not normally pathogenic but it can be extremely dangerous if a woman catches it while pregnant since it can kill unborn babies or cause birth defects ranging from deafness to cerebral palsy.

Researcher Dr Colin Hendrie from the University of Leeds said in the journal Medical Hypotheses: “Female inoculation with a specific male's cytomegalovirus is most efficiently achieved through mouth-to-mouth contact and saliva exchange, particularly where the flow of saliva is from the male to the typically shorter female.”

He added that kissing the same person for about six months provides optimum protection and, as the relationship progresses and the kisses become more passionate, her immunity builds up.

Scientists previously thought that kissing acts as a form of evolutionary quality control, with saliva holding clues to fertility, health and genes.

www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1224249/The-unromantic-truth-kiss--spread-germs.html

One correspondent, a certain Anthony of Sheffield, commented this report with:

"What about kissing toads to find your Prince? The fantasy for women is that they kiss an ugly toad, and it turns into a handsome prince who they then marry. The reality for men is that they kiss and marry a beautiful princess, and then she turns into an ugly toad."

That is romantic enough for me!

Derek

And from Germany: