ABSTRACT

Cigarette smokers have an increased risk of infections and diseases involving the respiratory tract. Cigarette smoke damages the lining of the airways and makes the lungs more prone to infections. Tobacco smoking has been correlated with many oral mucosal abnormalities and increased colonization with candida species. Investigative research study was carried  to see the effect of tobacco smoking on the oral and respiratory tract micro flora. Sputum and Saliva samples were collected from 30 subjects consisting of 15 smokers and 15 non smokers in the age group 20- 38 yrs. Subjects selected in this study were Engineering students and Labourers working in construction industries. Microbial profile from sputum and saliva was examined. Samples were cultured overnight after serial dilution and spread plated on various media i.e Nutrient Agar, Mannitol  Agar, Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar and Luria Agar. Bacteria and fungus obtained from these media were further examined using Gram staining technique and characterised on the basis of morphological characteristics. The further classification of bacteria & fungus was done using selective and differential media for each. Candida species were isolated using the oral rinse technique. Analysis of results has shown significantly higher number of E.coli, Streptococcus Aureus and Candida species in sample of smokers as compared to Nonsmokers.

Keywords: Tobacco Smoking, Gram Staining, Selective media, Streptococcus, Candida species