This Woman Is Her Own Twin Due To A Rare Genetic Condition

Twins often have the feeling that they have a special connection, however, for one California woman, the connection is extremely realistic visceral — she is her own twin. Meet Taylor Muhl. At a very young age she noticed that her stomach skin tone consisted of two different colors, split right down the middle.Show more

This phenomenon is a genetic condition called “chimerism”. It occurs when a person is composed of two genetically distinct types of cells. In Muhl’s case, she was supposed to be a twin. The condition happens when two bodies fuse together inside the womb. What should have been twins becomes one body carrying two sets of DNA. Two different immune systems and bloodstream are put into the body. And in some cases, it can involve both male and female DNA.

Taylor’s body absorbed her twin’s fetal cells and now she is her own twin. This phenomenon is not particular to humans only, it happens to animals as well, and often, resulting in different fur and eye colors. The condition can cause severe health issues. The body recognizes the other cells as foreign and tries to fight them off. These autoimmune issues can be the cause of multiple diseases. Taylor takes vitamin supplements and strong probiotics to stay healthy. Not enough is known about chimerism, and Muhl wants to spread awareness about it. Even though she looks healthy, it just shows her to never judge a book by its cover.