Considering the negative impact of smoking
on the infection and transmission of TB, and
the potential gains associated with cessation,
it is a clear duty of all health professionals
managing TB patients to address this important
issue with their patients.
Smoking continues to be the most important
cause of preventable morbidity and
mortality. Correctly identifying smokers
then providing very brief advice with follow-
up and, if resources allow, more intensive
motivational interviewing with pharmaceutical
aids to alleviate nicotine withdrawal
will have a significant impact both on reducing
disease progression and the efficacy of
anti-microbial treatment. Strengthening
measures for the control and prevention of
tobacco smoking may have an additional
and welcome impact on our progress
towards TB elimination globally