Crucial Mechanism Driving Epidemics of Smoking

Tuberculosis is a disease that has existed for hundreds of years, and a main way of contracting it is through smoking. It is also transmitted through air when in close enough contact with an infected person. Research of smokers, non-smokers, and ex-smokers showed the difference in immune systems and the ability to ward off infections. Smoking was shown to weaken not only the respiratory system but also the immune system and its white blood cells. It also causes white blood cells to malfunction and thus be unable to ward off bacteria. It is now being said a smoker has a greater risk of contracting tuberculosis than someone who is infected with HIV. Direct links of smoking areas and tuberculosis have been identified globally, and this study reinforces the negative impacts of smoking and is another advocate for the anti-smoking campaign. The continuous new strands of the TB virus causes it to evolve and thus make it harder for vaccines and medicines to cure, and smoking is a large contributor to that.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141114124943.htm

Submitted by Josh Happ