Cigarette smoke can make MRSA more resistant to antibiotics, according to an article on the Infection Control Today website.
New research from the University of Bath has also shown smoke can make MRSA more invasive and persistent.
The researchers believe the stress cigarette smoke causes the bacteria to have an 'SOS' response, which increases the rate of mutation in microbial DNA.
Previous studies had attributed smokers' increased susceptibility to infection to the damaging effects of smoke on our immune system.
Aligning Construction and Facility Activities to Minimize Problems
Cooper University Health Care Breaks Ground on 'Project Imagine'
3 Employees Injured by Patient at Halifax Infirmary's Emergency Department
How Architects Shape the Future of Healthcare Facilities
UNC Health, Duke Health Form Partnership for Stand-alone Children's Hospital