Tobacco Smoke Promotes Bacterial Resilience According To Study

Tobacco smoke can increase the potential of certain bacteria such as the Porphyromonas gingivalis to build a camp in the mouth, therefore fight against the body's immune system. A research by David A. Scott, Ph.D. of the University of Louisville School of Dentistry probed how cigarettes can result in the colonization of bacteria in the body.

The tobacco smoke, which contains thousands of chemical elements, was found to be an environmental stressor that promotes bacterial colonization and immune invasion. Scott cited review published recently in Tobacco Induced Diseases revealing the findings that tobacco smoke, including its components, promote biofilm build up by numerous other pathogens like Stapyhococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus mutans.

Biofilms are made up of several microbial communities often composed of complex and co-existing multispecies structures. Based on research, bacteria can form biofilms on most surfaces like heart valves, teeth and the respiratory tract, according to Science Daily.

A common biofilm is dental plaque that leads to gingivitis, a gum disease that can be found in nearly half of the world's population, up to more serious oral disease like chronic peridontitis. Other type of biofilm may also form on heart valves that can lead to heart-related infections, which eventually may bring a host of other problems. According to Scott, they are continuing to do research in order to understand the interactions of the complex communities within the biofilm as well as how they apply to disease.

Scott also added that while several studies have examined biofilms through the use of single species, more significant multispecies models have started emerging. With novel treatments for biofilm-induced diseases are now being examined, the research team recognizes the fact that they still have a long way to go, Medical Xpress reported.

Meantime, much attention has been given to the research work as the WHO observes the World No Tobacco Day every 31st of May to encourage a worldwide abstinence from all types of tobacco use. The effort based on the annual 6 million global deaths connected to the bad health effects of tobacco consumption.