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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
09:25
Methods to Evaluate Cytotoxicity and Immunosuppression of Combustible Tobacco Product Preparations
Published on: January 10, 2015
Smoking and tuberculosis: the epidemiological association and immunopathogenesis
P D O Davies1, W W Yew, D Ganguly
1Tuberculosis Research and Resources Unit, Cardiothoracic Centre, Thomas Drive, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK.
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|December 6, 2005
Summary
Smoking is linked to a two- to four-fold increased risk of tuberculosis. Nicotine may suppress immune responses, making individuals more susceptible to developing active tuberculosis from latent infection.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Growing evidence suggests a significant association between tuberculosis (TB) and smoking.
- Smoking is a global health issue with potential implications for infectious disease transmission and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review epidemiological evidence on the link between smoking and tuberculosis.
- To explore potential biological mechanisms underlying this association.
Main Methods:
- Review of epidemiological studies from the UK, China, India, and the USA.
- Analysis of reported tuberculosis case rates in relation to smoking habits.
- Examination of proposed biological mechanisms, including the role of nicotine and immune response.
Main Results:
- Consistent association found between smoking and increased tuberculosis rates.
- Smokers, particularly those smoking over 20 cigarettes daily, show a two- to four-fold higher risk of TB.
- Confounding factors like alcohol consumption may influence observed associations.
Conclusions:
- Smoking is a significant risk factor for developing tuberculosis.
- Nicotine may impair macrophage function (reducing TNF-alpha production), increasing susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Public health strategies should address smoking cessation to reduce the burden of tuberculosis.
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