Vaping FAQs

does vaping cause atypical mycobacterial infection

by Dr. Geo Lynch Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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  • Researchers say they’ve discovered that vaping and smoking cause changes in the mouth’s microbiome.
  • Those changes can lead to an increased risk of infection, inflammation, and gum disease.
  • It’s the latest research that links oral health to the overall health of the body.

Full Answer

Can vaping cause pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria?

Vaping Associated Pulmonary Nontuberculous Mycobacteria There is little reported on the association between vaping and NTM. It is possible that vaping may have rendered these individuals to be more susceptible to NTM colonization and infection. The possible mechanisms of vaping lung injury and pulmonary NTM are discussed.

What is atypical mycobacteria?

Atypical mycobacteria or nontuberculous mycobacteria are organisms that cause various diseases such as skin and soft tissue infection, lymphadenitis, pulmonary infection, disseminated infection, and a wide range of more rarely encountered infections.

Is vaping bad for your oral microbiome?

Now, research from NYU College of Dentistry shows that vaping changes the community of bacteria in the mouth — the oral microbiome — in a way that puts users at higher risk of infection than cigarette smokers and nonsmokers. The new study appears in the open access journal iScience.

Is vaping harmful to your health?

People who vape may be putting themselves at risk of increased numbers of harmful bacteria in their bodies, as well as impaired neutrophil immunity to move into infected sites and kill the bacteria. The outcome may be increased vulnerability to infections as well as more serious infection.

What bacteria are in vapers?

How do e-cigarette fumes affect cells?

What diseases can the oral microbiome cause?

Why are e-cigarettes so popular?

How many bacteria are there in the body?

How many high school students use vapes?

Does vaping affect the microbiome?

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Can vaping cause bacterial infection in lungs?

Vaping is known to increase the risk of viral and bacterial pneumonia by compromising the respiratory local immune response. Vaping also causes lipoid pneumonia where the alveoli are filled with lipid-laden macrophages with surrounding inflammation.

Can vaping cause bacterial infection?

Now, research from NYU College of Dentistry shows that vaping changes the community of bacteria in the mouth — the oral microbiome — in a way that puts users at higher risk of infection than cigarette smokers and nonsmokers.

What diseases can you get from vaping?

These aldehydes can cause lung disease, as well as cardiovascular (heart) disease. E-cigarettes also contain acrolein, a herbicide primarily used to kill weeds. It can cause acute lung injury and COPD and may cause asthma and lung cancer.

Does vaping cause fungus in your lungs?

Critically ill patients with vaping-induced lung injury are at risk for serious secondary bacterial and fungal infections and death.

Can vaping cause bacteria in mouth?

Vaping has a direct effect on oral health. Exposure to e-cigarette aerosol can lead to more bacteria in the mouth, which is associated with tooth decay, cavities, and gum diseases. It can also cause dry mouth, inflamed gums, and other issues.

Does vaping make inflammation worse?

Researchers have found that using pod-based e-cigarettes daily can elevate inflammatory markers across multiple organ systems. The scientists saw that e-cigarettes caused a marked increase in inflammation within the brain's reward pathways and that these effects also varied depending on e-cigarette flavor.

Can a doctor tell if you vape?

Medical tests can detect nicotine in people's urine, blood, saliva, hair, and nails. Nicotine is the addictive substance in tobacco, cigarettes, and vapes or e-cigarettes.

What are 5 dangers of vaping?

Vaping has been linked to lung injury.Rapid onset of coughing.Breathing difficulties.Weight loss.Nausea and vomiting.Diarrhea.

Is vaping worse than smoking?

1: Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but it's still not safe. E-cigarettes heat nicotine (extracted from tobacco), flavorings and other chemicals to create an aerosol that you inhale. Regular tobacco cigarettes contain 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic.

How long does it take for your lungs to heal from vaping?

After two weeks: your circulation and lung function begin to improve. After one to nine months: clear and deeper breathing gradually returns; you have less coughing and shortness of breath; you regain the ability to cough productively instead of hacking, which cleans your lungs and reduce your risk of infection.

Can a vape mold?

Vaporizers keep moisture in the air and work well during dry conditions when you need to add humidity to the air. A problem with vaporizers is the accumulation of mold, which is often the result of the constant moisture that sits inside the unit.

How do I know if I have a fungal infection in my lungs?

However, the symptoms of invasive aspergillosis in the lungs include:Fever.Chest pain.Cough.Coughing up blood.Shortness of breath.Other symptoms can develop if the infection spreads from the lungs to other parts of the body.

Can vaping cause viral infection?

In addition, the e-cigarette liquid has also been shown to increase inflammation and susceptibility to viral infection in primary human airway cells (6).

Can vaping give you a yeast infection?

Vapers can end up with e-cigarette-caused immunodeficiency in the mouth, which can lead to overgrowth of bacteria and yeast.

Can vaping cause sepsis?

Swanson believes it could be the various chemicals, or the physical effects of breathing extremely high temperature vapor into the lungs. But it is very serious. Eight people have died. "You can develop an infection which can go into the blood known as sepsis; sepsis can cause death.

Can vaping cause staph infection?

Electronic cigarette vapor appears to increase the virulence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a horrifying drug-resistant bacterium that can devour the flesh of human victims, a new study says.

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Evidence grows for vaping's role in gum disease - ScienceDaily

A key indicator of gum disease is clinical attachment loss, measured by gum ligament and tissue separating from a tooth's surface, leading the gum to recede and form pockets.

Vaping makes lung bacteria more harmful and cause more inflammation

About 27% of US high school students vape. Aleksandr Yu/Shutterstock More virulent. Bacteria play a role in the development of smoking-related lung diseases, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

National Center for Biotechnology Information

National Center for Biotechnology Information

What bacteria are in vapers?

In comparison with the cigarette smokers and nonsmokers, vapers had higher numbers of bacteria called Porphyromonas and Veillonella, which have an association with gum disease and are a reflection of “compromised periodontal health,” according to Li.

How do e-cigarette fumes affect cells?

To look at the effects of e-cigarette fumes on individual cells, the scientists cultured cells from a human pharynx with bacteria and exposed them either to the aerosol from an e-cigarette or to air. They found that many more cells became infected by the bacteria when they were exposed to e-cigarette aerosols.

What diseases can the oral microbiome cause?

Experts have linked oral microbiome changes with diseases ranging from tooth decay and bad breath (halitosis) to diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.

Why are e-cigarettes so popular?

E-cigarettes are popular among cigarette smokers because they offer a way of getting a nicotine hit without the health risks of tobacco, such as lung damage and a higher risk of cancer .

How many bacteria are there in the body?

There are trillions of bacteria living in the body — on the skin, in the gut, and in the mouth — where they help us fight infections and digest food. In this paper, researchers evaluated the effect of vaping on the bacterial community in the mouth, which exists in a delicate balance.

How many high school students use vapes?

More than 20% of high school students and 5% of middle school students use vapes, according to 2018 CDC data. . The rise in vaping, particularly among young people, has raised concerns, as no long-term data are available on its health effects.

Does vaping affect the microbiome?

Vaping changes oral microbiome and raises infection risk. Researchers from New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry are the first to show that the use of e-cigarettes may allow infection-causing bacteria to flourish in the mouth. New research reveals how vaping affects the oral microbiome.

How to detect atypical mycobacteria?

The best method for detecting atypical mycobacteria is fluorochrome staining, a type of acid-fast staining where these bacteria will appear as yellow to orange bacilli. Of note, rapidly growing mycobacteria are frequently not seen even with fluorochrome staining, and atypical mycobacteria overall are visualized in only 30% to 60% of cases. Rapidly growing mycobacteria are noted to be more sensitive to the decolorization process in acid-fast staining. It is thought that using more delicate methods for decolorization can increase the chance of visualizing these bacteria. Other less sensitive staining methods that may also be used include the Ziehl-Neelsen method and the Kinyoun stain. [1]

What is the role of atypical mycobacteria in the immune system?

When encountered by the immune system, atypical mycobacteria are taken up by macrophages, causing the macrophages to release IL-12 and TNF-alpha. IL-12 release activates the IL-12-interferon gamma pathway. This pathway further recruits additional macrophages, neutrophils, and T-cells. This process ultimately results in the killing of these intracellular bacteria by nitric oxide and free radicals. The macrophages, neutrophils, and T-cells recruited to the site of infection can sometimes result in granuloma formation, creating a fibrinous mass walling off the infection and isolating it from the rest of the body. Atypical mycobacteria are often able to evade this response due to the ability of the glycoproteins in their cell wall to inactivate the phagosome-lysosome fusion process and free radical destruction allowing the bacteria to live as intracellular organisms within macrophages.

How do mycobacteria enter the skin?

Skin and Soft Tissue:Atypical Mycobacteria enter the skin and soft tissue through trauma, surgical procedures, or via indwelling medical equipment. All species of atypical mycobacteria can cause skin and soft tissue infection. The most common species to cause skin and soft tissue infection are Mycobacterium chelonae, abscessus, fortuitum, ulcerans, and marinum. Mycobacterium marinum infection is also known as the fish tank granuloma, after originally being discovered to cause soft tissue infection in fish tank workers/enthusiasts. It most commonly causes localized erythema and granuloma formation of the digits, which can progress to nodular lymphangitis of the hands and forearms similar in appearance to sporotrichosis. These bacteria more rarely can affect tendons, joint spaces and cause osteomyelitis. Immunocompromised patients have had recorded cases of disseminated infection. Mycobacterium ulcerans is also known as the Buruli ulcer. These ulcers are known for their large areas of skin involvement, deep ulceration, and marked cosmetic disfigurement. They most commonly begin as a small, painless nodule, which slowly begins to ulcerate. These ulcers are characterized by poorly defined and irregular borders and can cover extensive sections of the body. Other variations of these lesions may also begin as localized erythema, subcutaneous edema, or a violaceous skin rash. Of note, approximately 15% of Mycobacterium ulcerans infections cause osteomyelitis. Mycobacterium fortuitum most commonly presents as a solitary subcutaneous nodule. The majority of cases of Mycobacterium fortuituminfection have low morbidity and limited infection. Immunocompromised patients, however, have been known to suffer from the more serious and disseminated infection. Mycobacterium abscessus most commonly forms an abscess under the site of skin trauma/penetration. These abscesses are painful to the touch, may form draining sinus tracts, and may progress to ascending lymphadenitis. Disseminated disease can occur in immunocompromised individuals and produce diffuse subcutaneous nodules with lymphadenitis. Mycobacterium chelonae presents in the majority of cases as small disseminated cutaneous nodules that are painful to the touch. The skin surrounding these lesions is often hyperpigmented. Lesions may also drain, form sinus tracts, appear as cellulitis or non-healing ulcers. Infection is most common in immunocompromised patients. Mycobacterium chelonaehas also been known to cause osteomyelitis. [1][7][8][9]

What are the different types of mycobacterial pulmonary infections?

Pulmonary:The three species that make up the vast majority of atypical mycobacterial pulmonary infections are the Mycobacterium aviumcomplex bacteria (approximately 80%), Mycobacterium kansasii, andMycobacterium abscessus. Mycobacterium aviumcomplex infections can be further grouped into two different presentations. The first presentation is found more commonly in middle-aged males with the risk factors of long term alcohol and tobacco abuse. In these patients, the MAC bacteria tend to form large fibrocavitary lesions in the apex of the lung.  These lesions can rapidly progress to encompass significant areas of the lung within 1 to 2 years and generally result in morbidity and mortality at a much faster rate. The second type of presentation of MAC lung disease more commonly affects postmenopausal caucasian women. In this presentation, the bacteria form small pulmonary nodules and cylindrical bronchiectasis with a concentration of nodules in the right middle lobe and ligula of the left upper lobe of the lungs. Similar presentations to MAC pulmonary disease are seen with Mycobacterium kansasii andabscessus. Mycobacterium kansasiitends to form large fibrocavities in the apex of the lung, similar to the first type of MAC disease presentation. A much smaller proportion of infections resemble the nodular and bronchiectatic type of presentation. Mycobacterium abscessusinfection presents the majority of the time with a nodular and bronchiectatic presentation concentrated in the upper lung fields. Mycobacterium abscessuswill form fibrocavities in approximately 15 percent of infections.

What are the characteristics of atypical mycobacteria?

This mycolic acid layer allows them to form thick biofilms, enabling their survival in harsh environments that are not as well tolerated by other bacteria. These biofilms stunt the ability of antibiotics to penetrate bacteria effectively. They allow for survival in varying temperatures and protect the bacteria from being killed by water purifying chemicals such as chlorine, disinfectants, and cleaning products. Biofilms also allow the bacteria to survive in oxygen-rich and anaerobic environments. Another defining characteristic of mycobacteria is their slow rate of growth. Atypical mycobacteria are divided into rapid and slow-growing categories. The rapid-growing organisms take 7 to 30 days to grow on culture. The slow-growing organisms will take several weeks to months to demonstrate growth. The type of disease caused by these organisms is dependent on the mode of inoculation and the susceptibility of the host to infection. Pulmonary infection occurs via inhalation of aerosolized material containing the bacteria, whereas lymphadenitis is often caused by ingestion or penetration through the soft tissues, and skin and soft tissue infection by access through skin breakdown or by indwelling medical equipment. [1][2]

What are mycobacterial skin infections?

Mycobacterial skin and soft tissue infections can result from localized or disseminated infection and occur in patients of all ages . Patients with localized lesions may give a history in which they experienced trauma to their skin while swimming (freshwater, saltwater, swimming pool, hot tubs). Other risk factors for skin and soft tissue infections include patients who are currently immunosuppressed or have had recent surgical procedures. Skin lesions can range from erythematous papules/nodules that progressively ulcerate, to ecthyma, resembling cellulitis. A separate category of skin lesion, the Buruli ulcer, is characteristic of a painless area of soft tissue swelling that slowly begins to ulcerate with poorly defined and irregular borders. Untreated, they can grow from a few centimeters to span large areas of the body. Patients with these lesions are usually from West Africa, Central, and South America, Australia, and Japan.

Where are mycobacteria found?

Geographically they have higher concentrations in pine forests and the swamp-like regions of the southern United States. They also inhabit plumbing and human-made water sources with higher concentrations in urban areas. They are resistant to water treatment chemicals and can be found in drinking water, showers, hot tubs, and saunas. Estimates of the rate of pulmonary disease are between 5 to 10 per 100,000 per year. Various studies have estimated the rate of all causes of atypical mycobacterial infection in children to be between 0.6 to 3.3 per 100,000. Estimates of the rate of all causes of infection in adults are between 20 to 47 per 100,000.

How do e-cigarettes affect neutrophils?

A new study published in the Journal Cell Physiology shows that e-cigarettes have toxic effects on neutrophils function, making them a threat to human health by increasing the likelihood of infection with Gram-negative bacteria. E-cigarettes are in wide use today, among 7% to 12% of adults and up to 37% of teenagers/new adults.

What is the role of e-cigarette smoke in the neutrophil attack?

They were also partially disarmed by e-cigarette smoke, which reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production within the immune cells by 48%. ROS are at the heart of neutrophil attack by what biologists call the neutrophil extracellular trap (NET). These fascinating antibacterial weapons are structures created from DNA strands coated with sticky proteins or peptides that fight microbes.

What is the purpose of vaping liquids?

The researchers used commercial vaping liquids and a commonly used vaping device to expose batches of neutrophils in culture to fresh puffs of e-cigarette vapor. They also injected Pseudomonas into healthy mice, exposed them to e-cigarette smoke over the long term and examined neutrophil migration as well as bacterial load.

How many fold reductions in chemotaxis in human neutrophils exposed to e-cigarette vapor?

Neutrophils in culture. The researchers found a 4-fold reduction in chemotaxis in human neutrophils exposed to e-cigarette vapor. Normally, their attraction to Gram-negative bacteria occurs in response to the cell wall component f-Met-Leu-Phe.

Is vaping safe?

Vaping not a safe alternative. E-cigarettes have become a topic of hot controversy, with some people arguing their safety vis-à-vis conventional cigarettes, and others pointing out the almost complete lack of knowledge regarding the safety of inhaled chemicals in e-cigarette smoke, and their physiological effects.

Do macrophages phagocytose bacteria?

Previous studies have shown that macrophages are also unable to phagocytose bacteria effectively.

Can e-cigarettes affect endothelial cells?

Their RNA sequencing studies on lung tissue from these animals also show that endothelial cells may be impacted by the e-cigarette vapor, such that they have a lower production of proteins that stimulate the passage of leukocytes out of the blood vessel into the infected site.

How to diagnose atypical mycobacteria?

Atypical mycobacteria are diagnosed on the culture of tissue. Specific conditions are required, such as cool temperature, so the laboratory must be informed of the clinician's suspicion of this diagnosis. The infections have specific pathological features on skin biopsy.

What is an atypical mycobacterial infection?

Atypical mycobacterial infections are infections caused by a species of mycobacterium other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative bacteria of pulmonary TB and extrapulmonary TB including cutaneous TB; and Mycobacterium leprae, the cause of leprosy.

What are the clinical features of an atypical mycobacterial infection?

The clinical features of atypical mycobacterial infection depend on the infecting mycobacteria.

How long does it take to treat Mycobacterium kansasii?

Treatment should be for at least 4–6 weeks, and sometimes up to two months. Mycobacterium kansasii should be treated with at least 3 drugs for 12–18 months. One of the drugs must be rifampicin, which is still the cornerstone of treatment for these infections.

Which mycobacteria do not cause tuberculosis?

Some of those causing atypical mycobacterial infections include: Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare. Mycobacterium kansasii. Mycobacterium marinum. Mycobacterium ulcerans.

What are the different types of mycobacteria?

Atypical mycobacteria may cause many different types of infections, which are divided into the following four clinical syndromes: Pulmonary disease. Lymphadenitis. Skin and soft tissue disease. Disseminated disease. Skin infection tends to result in crusted nodules and plaques.

What is the result of skin infection?

Skin infection tends to result in crusted nodules and plaques. Abscesses may develop in skin and bone infection.

How is Vaping Associated with Allergies?

The bottom line is there is still a lot of research that needs to be done before definitive conclusions can be reached on how vaping is associated with allergies.

What is Vape Lung?

Vape lung is the term that is being given to a cluster of symptoms that arise from what is believed to be the sustained use of e-cigarettes. Vape lung is not an infection—which means it is likely the result of exposure to the chemicals in vaping products.

Are Sinus Infections Caused by Vaping?

It’s possible that vaping may be a contributing factor to some sinus infections . Since vaping increases allergy sensitivity, and allergies can lead to possible sinus infections, vaping could be one of the factors to consider when determining the source of a sinus infection.

What causes TB and non-TB?

TB and Nontuberculous Lung Infections. Mycobacterial lung infections are caused by a group of bacteria, mycobacteria, that includes the causative-agents of tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy. There are also nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), ubiquitous in soil, water, food, on the surfaces of many plants and within buildings, ...

How rare are NTM infections?

Though the prevalence of NTM infections is rising, these infections remain relatively rare, occurring in about 2-15 out of 100,000 people in America.

What tests are done to determine the type of bacteria in the lungs?

The diagnostics may include: Blood and sputum tests to identify the specific type of bacteria present in the lungs. CT scans to image the lungs. Bronchoscopy to view the lung’s airways.

Can you treat NTM with antibiotics?

NTM lung infections may be resistant or hard to treat with antibiotics. As a result, patients may need to use several antibiotics, for up to years. Since many of these medications have side effects, close monitoring is important. NTM infections that have spread beyond the lungs may need to be treated with chemotherapy.

What bacteria are in vapers?

In comparison with the cigarette smokers and nonsmokers, vapers had higher numbers of bacteria called Porphyromonas and Veillonella, which have an association with gum disease and are a reflection of “compromised periodontal health,” according to Li.

How do e-cigarette fumes affect cells?

To look at the effects of e-cigarette fumes on individual cells, the scientists cultured cells from a human pharynx with bacteria and exposed them either to the aerosol from an e-cigarette or to air. They found that many more cells became infected by the bacteria when they were exposed to e-cigarette aerosols.

What diseases can the oral microbiome cause?

Experts have linked oral microbiome changes with diseases ranging from tooth decay and bad breath (halitosis) to diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.

Why are e-cigarettes so popular?

E-cigarettes are popular among cigarette smokers because they offer a way of getting a nicotine hit without the health risks of tobacco, such as lung damage and a higher risk of cancer .

How many bacteria are there in the body?

There are trillions of bacteria living in the body — on the skin, in the gut, and in the mouth — where they help us fight infections and digest food. In this paper, researchers evaluated the effect of vaping on the bacterial community in the mouth, which exists in a delicate balance.

How many high school students use vapes?

More than 20% of high school students and 5% of middle school students use vapes, according to 2018 CDC data. . The rise in vaping, particularly among young people, has raised concerns, as no long-term data are available on its health effects.

Does vaping affect the microbiome?

Vaping changes oral microbiome and raises infection risk. Researchers from New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry are the first to show that the use of e-cigarettes may allow infection-causing bacteria to flourish in the mouth. New research reveals how vaping affects the oral microbiome.

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Neutrophils and Immunity

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Neutrophils are the most abundant component of white cells in blood at 50% to 70%, and are part of the body’s innate immune response, the first defense against microbial intruders. They are thus crucial to controlling infections and eliminating the organisms from the body. When they are exposed to bacterial antigens, they …
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Vaping – Not A Safe Alternative

  • E-cigarettes have become a topic of hot controversy, with some people arguing their safety vis-à-vis conventional cigarettes, and others pointing out the almost complete lack of knowledge regarding the safety of inhaled chemicals in e-cigarette smoke, and their physiological effects. Evidence is mounting that shows that E-cigarettes may harm the immune system in the host, th…
See more on news-medical.net

The Study and Its Findings

  • The researchers used commercial vaping liquids and a commonly used vaping device to expose batches of neutrophils in culture to fresh puffs of e-cigarette vapor. They also injected Pseudomonas into healthy mice, exposed them to e-cigarette smoke over the long term and examined neutrophil migration as well as bacterial load.
See more on news-medical.net

Conclusion

  • The study strongly suggests that e-cigarette use dampens the immune response very significantly, and predisposes users to slow weak immune defenses against invasive bacterial infections. It adds to the proof that like tobacco smoking and BPA, e-cigarette vapor plays a role in altering host defenses via its action on neutrophils. People who vape may...
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