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.
Rethinking Carpeting's Role in Senior Care Facilities
Parkview Health Breaks Ground on New Hospital in West Lafayette, IN
Loma Linda University Health Experiences Data Breach via AI Tool
Inside One of Healthcare's Most Ambitious Hospital Projects 
Turning Condensate Loss into a Systemwide Steam Efficiency Opportunity