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Study: Smokers have more trouble fighting off tuberculosis
Infection Control Monitor, July 1, 2005
Current and ex-smokers are more susceptible to tuberculosis (TB) than people who have never smoked, according to researchers at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa.
More than 2,400 adults participated in the study aimed at determining how important healthy lungs are in the fight against TB contraction. Of the 1,300 current or ex-smokers studied, 82% tested positive for the TB bacterium. Of the remaining 1,100 who have never smoked, the rate was 70%.
Researchers took the volunteers' age, sex, educational level, fat, and income into account. They concluded that weakened lungs contribute in some way to TB contraction, but they are not sure exactly how. Previous studies suggest that smoking suppresses white-blood cell activity in the lungs, and slows the immune response.
Testing positive for the TB bacterium is only the first step in a possible contraction of the disease. Many people can carry the bacteria but not get sick from it.
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