Effects of Opium Smoking Cessation on the Nasopharyngeal Microbial Flora

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Otorhinolaryngology and Chief of Moradi Hospital, Departments of Otorhinolaryngology, Moradi Hospital, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

2 Hospital Infection Control Nurse, Moradi Hospital, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

3 Specialist in Infectious Disease, Ali-ibn- Abitalib Hospital, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

4 Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Chief of School of Medicine, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

5 Pathologist, Vice Chancellor of Treatment, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

6 Assistant Professor of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

7 Ocupational Therapist, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

8 Medical Student, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Abstract Background: To determine the effect of opium smoking cessation on the frequency and type of microorganisms in the nasopharynx of opium smokers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study performed in psychology and ENT department of Moradi Hospital of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences in 2008 (Kerman, Iran). Nasopharyngeal cultures were taken from 50 opium smokers before and 2 to 3 months after cessation of opium smoking. Potential pathogens were identified. Findings: Eight potential pathogens were isolated from nasopharyngeal cultures obtained from 43 individuals before opium smoking cessation, and 4 were recovered from 33 individuals after cessation (P < 0.0001). Streptococcus pneumonia, staphylococcus saprofiticus, streptococos α hemolytic, and staphylococcus aureus in 2nd culture were not seen. The most sensitivity to antibiotics was related to ceftriaxone (84%), ciprofloxacin (74%) and cloxacillin (72%); the most resistance was to amoxicillin (26%) and the least resistance was to chloramphenicol. Conclusion: In our study, some potential pathogens decreased or even disapeared after opium cessation. Our patients have not been advised to change their number of cigarettes. We have used methadone pill for substitution of opium. It seems that opium smoking affects nasopharyngeal flora. Keyword: Opium, Nasaopharynx, Microbial flora