Smoking May Increase the Risk of Tuberculosis Infection
Smoking may increase the risk of developing tuberculosis infection, show researchers in the journal Thorax.
The study involved 2,401 adults from two urban communities in Cape Town, South Africa. Participants were surveyed about their smoking habits and underwent a tuberculin skin test. Factors such as age, sex, education level, body mass index, and income were taken into account.
Smoking was defined as having ever smoked for at least one year. The average number of cigarettes smoked per day was recorded for all ex-smokers and current smokers, and the number of pack-years smoked was calculated.
Of 1,309 current smokers or ex-smokers, 1,070 (82 percent) had a positive skin test. This was significantly higher than for never smokers. A positive relation with pack-years was also observed, with those smoking more than 15 pack-years having the highest risk.
The reason for the increased risk of infection in smokers is unclear, but may be explained by the effects of smoking on the ability of the lungs to fight off infection, say the authors.
They conclude that smoking may increase the risk of tuberculosis infection, and propose that further studies be conducted to investigate this association and to establish whether smoking reduction strategies contribute to tuberculosis control.
An accompanying editorial discusses whether this is a chance or causal association. The evidence from the literature does not support an effect of smoking on tuberculin responses, but perhaps the likelihood of developing active tuberculosis is greater in those who have smoked for a long time, says Dr. Graham Bothamley. Social factors are significant confounding factors in such studies.
Newsletter
Stay prepared and protected with Infection Control Today's newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection preventionists.
Reducing Hidden Risks: Why Sharps Injuries Still Go Unreported
July 18th 2025Despite being a well-known occupational hazard, sharps injuries continue to occur in health care facilities and are often underreported, underestimated, and inadequately addressed. A recent interview with sharps safety advocate Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR, a perioperative educational consultant, reveals why change is overdue and what new tools and guidance can help.
New Study Explores Oral Vancomycin to Prevent C difficile Recurrence, But Questions Remain
July 17th 2025A new clinical trial explores the use of low-dose oral vancomycin to prevent Clostridioides difficile recurrence in high-risk patients taking antibiotics. While the data suggest a possible benefit, the findings stop short of statistical significance and raise red flags about vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), underscoring the delicate balance between prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.
What Lies Beneath: Why Borescopes Are Essential for Verifying Surgical Instrument Cleanliness
July 16th 2025Despite their smooth, polished exteriors, surgical instruments often harbor dangerous contaminants deep inside their lumens. At the HSPA25 and APIC25 conferences, Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH, and her colleagues revealed why borescopes are an indispensable tool for sterile processing teams, offering the only reliable way to verify internal cleanliness and improve sterile processing effectiveness to prevent patient harm.
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.
Targeting Uncertainty: Why Pregnancy May Be the Best Time to Build Vaccine Confidence
July 15th 2025New national survey data reveal high uncertainty among pregnant individuals—especially first-time parents—about vaccinating their future children, underscoring the value of proactive engagement to strengthen infection prevention.
