|
"Smokers may be at greater risk of
contracting HIV"
The
Star (www.thestar.com.my)
(22/09/06)
LONDON: Smoking, already linked to several illnesses, may also increase the
risk of infection with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, researchers said
yesterday.
In a review of studies that looked at the association between smoking and
HIV, British doctors said five of the six studies they analysed showed
smokers had a higher chance of becoming infected.
Nine of 10 other studies in the review that tracked the progression from HIV
to AIDS found no link with smoking.
“The studies identified in this systematic review indicate that while
smoking might be independently associated with acquiring HIV infection, it
does not appear to be related to progression to AIDS,” said Dr Andrew Furber,
of the South East Sheffield Primary Care Trust.
Dr Furber and his colleagues said tobacco smoke may increase susceptibility
to HIV infection by modifying a variety of immune system responses.
Research has shown that smoking is a leading cause of preventable death. It
increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, respiratory problems, as well
as lung and other types of cancer. — Reuters
 Back to
News Page
|
