from Journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology
An estimated eight million people use
smokeless tobacco in this country,
despite risks of oral health issues,
including cancer. Now, there’s another
risk. A study published in Applied and
Environment Microbiology says several
species of bacteria found in smokeless
tobacco products have been linked to
opportunistic infections, such as lung
infections and heart valve infection.
Because users of smokeless tobacco
typically hold these products in their
mouths for extended periods in order to
get the maximum amount of nicotine
into the blood stream, they also increase
the opportunity for bacteria to get into
the blood stream, which is how the
bacteria could arrive at the heart. The
study will provide additional information
for the government’s regulations about
smokeless tobacco.