[Tobacco smoking and stopping smoking interventions in patients with TB]

Tuberculosis and tobacco smoking are two major public health problems causing significant mortality worldwide. Tobacco smoke increases the risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, severe pulmonary or extrapulmonary TB, and death of TB. In emerging countries, quitting smoking is one way to control the TB epidemic. Compared with non-smokers, smokers with tuberculosis are less observant of anti-tuberculosis treatment. Smoking abstinence improves the course of their illness, the treatment compliance and facilitates the final cure justifying smoking cessation interventions. The involvement of all healthcare professionals in helping smokers stopping smoking is required.