Several species of bacteria found in smokeless tobacco products have been associated with opportunistic infections, according to the National Center for Toxicological Research. For example, Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus pumilus could potentially cause inflammation of the lungs, while other Bacillus species also could present health concerns.
“Some species have been identified as causative agents in spice-related outbreaks of diarrhea and vomiting,” said research microbiologist and study coauthor Steven Foley, PhD, of the National Center for Toxicological Research. “Additionally, they produce a mild toxin that, in large quantities, could cause illness.”
Furthermore, several species of Bacillus as well as some Stapphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus hominis strains can reduce nitrates to nitrites, which potentially can lead to the formation of carcinogenic, tobacco-specific N’nitrosamines within the tobacco products, Foley said.
Users typically hold these products in their mouth in close contact with mucus membranes for extended periods of time to enable the nicotine to pass into the bloodstream. Doing so also exposes users to the bacteria that are present in these products.
These users often have problems with gingivitis and other oral health issues caused by these products. Both species of Staphylococci found in these products have been reported to cause heart valve infections. Gum disease and other oral issues enable bacterial entry into the bloodstream, which is how bacteria could arrive at the heart.
While about 8 million people use smokeless tobacco in the United States, there has been little data on the microbial populations in these products. The researchers aim to better understand the potential microbiological risks associated with their use and to provide a baseline microbial risk profile of them, said Foley.
The US Food and Drug Administration will use this research in making its regulatory decisions about smokeless tobacco products. The study, “Bacterial Populations Associated with Smokeless Tobacco Products,” was published by Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
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