Microbiology: A Human Perspective 7th Edition by Eugene Nester,Martha Nester,Denise Anderson, Evans Roberts

Exercise 1

A group of smokers suffering from Staphylococcus aureus infec­tions are suing the cigarette companies. They claim that the disease was aggravated by smoking. The group is citing studies indicat­ing that phagocytes are inhibited in their action by compounds in cigarette smoke. A statement prepared by their lawyers states that the S. aureus would not have caused such a severe disease if the phagocytes were functioning properly. During the proceedings, a microbiologist was called in as a professional witness for the court. What were her conclusions about the validity of the claim?