[Tuberculosis and tobacco: meeting of two epidemics]

Tobacco smoking is not only a major risk factor for disability and death, but also one of the risk factors for tuberculosis infection and disease. Even passive smoking exposure increases the risk of infection and disease in children and adults exposed to tuberculosis. In developing countries, where the incidence of tuberculosis is high, the progressive increase in tobacco consumption may have a major impact on the prevalence of tuberculosis. Medical counselling and tobacco control policy are now regarded as important for all health care workers involved in tuberculosis management.