Comparative Evaluation of Bacterial Population Among Smokers and Non-Smokers

Abstract

Background: Cigarette smoking kills more than 4,80,000 people every year, this also includes people that do not smoke (CDC, 2014). Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of death which includes Oral cancer, bronchitis, emphysema and many other life threatening conditions. In the study, the effect of smoking on bacterial populations was compared to healthy non-smoking individuals to observe different variants of bacterial growth. Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the various types of bacterial growth observed in smokers and non-smokers. Method: Saliva samples were collected from 10 smokers and 10 non-smokers and the samples were processed for isolation of both aerobic and anaerobic organisms. Saliva samples plated into BHI agar and blood agar and incubated at 37 degrees for 24 hrs for isolation of aerobic organisms and in anaerobic jar with Gaspak for isolation of anaerobic organisms and the bacterial growth was identified by Colony morphology, Gram staining and biochemical reactions. Results: Smokers showed significant bacterial diversity compared to non-smokers. Though some organisms like Streptococcus, Prevotella, Neisseria, Enterococcus were isolated from both smokers and non-smokers, few pathogens like Lactobacilli bacilli, Porphytomonas were isolated from smokers. Therefore these pathogens play an important role in Periodontal disease and septic disease. Conclusion: From the study, we can conclude that smoking significantly alters the bacterial population which may favor periodontal disease. Public awareness should be created on the health implications of smoking and poor oral hygiene.