Gut microbes linked to higher psychopathic trait scores in new study

Scientists from the University of Porto, headed by Carolina Costa, investigated whether gut and oral microbiota relate to subclinical psychopathic traits. Two hundred adult volunteers provided blood, saliva and stool samples and completed the Self-Report Psychopathy Scale-Short Form. Results indicated that individuals with elevated levels of Allisonella, Prevotella and Cloacibacillus evryensis also reported higher psychopathy scores, while Treponema vincentii was linked to lower scores.

The researchers note that Allisonella has been tied to inflammatory conditions, Prevotella to other psychiatric disorders, and C. evryensis may produce a brain-affecting chemical influencing impulse control. Although the findings point to a measurable microbial signature, the study does not establish causation and calls for further investigation.