Diseases spread through saliva include mononucleosis, strep throat, rotavirus, and even tooth decay.
Many diseases can be spread through saliva alone, including viral and bacterial infections.
Infectious Diseases in Saliva
Infectious diseases can be spread through several routes of transmission.
PeopleImages / istock
Oral transmission refers to the spreading of microbes through saliva or shared foods and drinks.
Saliva-spread diseases can be due to multiplepathogens.
Therefore, even colds and flu (and other respiratory infections) can be spread through saliva.
These include cold sores and hand, foot, and mouth disease.
Cold soresare resulting from the herpes virus, usually herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1).
This infection is common in kids, especially in daycare or preschool prefs.
Kissing is, in general,not considered a risk factor for HIV transmission.
It would only be a risk if bleeding occurred or open sores were present.
Natural Microbial Defense
Saliva has a natural cleansing role, provided by its flushing activity.
Other antimicrobial defenses in the saliva include antibodies and other antimicrobial proteins (such as lysozyme).
Normal mouth flora (the good bacteria) prevents the growth of bad bacteria.
You also have all sorts of viruses naturally in your body at times, including in your mouth.
People are more likely to get mouth infections when natural resistance in the mouth is reduced.
Summary
Diseases spread through saliva include mono, strep, and rotavirus.
Many infections can be spread through kissing.
2017;1-18. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-813681-2.00001-9
Corstjens PL, Abrams WR, Malamud D.Saliva and viral infections.Periodontol 2000.
2011;55(1):48-69. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0757.2010.00361.x
Merck Manual Professional Version.Streptococcal infections.
World Health Organization.Herpes simplex virus.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hand, foot, and mouth disease.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Hepatitis B VIS (interim).
2019;16(14):2472.
Published 2019 Jul 11. doi:10.3390/ijerph16142472
